By Foresee Foundation
The Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) foundation has launched “Perpetual Plastics: Recycled Art,” a new initiative that is simultaneously tackling plastic waste, promoting conservation education, and fostering intergenerational connection through sustainable creativity. The project brings together seniors and local (afternoon) school children to actively transform collected plastic and scrap paper, and other sustainable/upcycled items used at the Perpetual Plastics workspace, into new art items.
In an aim to promote visual arts and crafts, through the use of more sustainable materials and/or use materials in a more sustainable manner (i.e. upcycling), the project focuses on actively creating art together, covering the collection/sorting of materials, instruction and awareness, preparing and creating. To celebrate the participants’ work and raise awareness, the project will culminate in at least two exhibition/market events. The first being hosted at their Cole Bay workspace on November 22, from 4:00 to 7:00pm, along with many more local artisans, as a pre-seasonal market.
EPIC leads this project as the initiator, as the art and culture organization, with support from other guest advisors/artists and creators, while other collaborating organizations support the communal and intergenerational aspect of the program. The project extends to neighbourhood schools, such as the Seventh Day Adventist School, with opportunities to expand to more schools in the area. Small groups of students receive workshops for approximately two and a half years on how plastic waste is recycled, and how many items can be reused and upcycled, and created into beautiful and fun art pieces.
A special effort is being made to bring both school children and the elderly together, facilitating intergenerational learning where they can assist one another in making the recycled art, while sharing stories as well as knowledge and skill, and creating a lively atmosphere for all to enjoy. EPIC is currently busy recruiting more of Sint Maarten’s seniors to join, so if you or anyone you know is interested in taking part, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Under the guidance of EPIC, this project is set to promote environmental education, conservation and artistic expression to dozens of community members across generations. This project falls under the Let’s ACT Program, funded by the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie (FCP). It is a collaborative initiative of CEDE Aruba, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), and Foresee Foundation (4CF). The program is designed to expand public access to the arts, support local creatives, and build a sustainable cultural and artistic infrastructure on St. Maarten and Aruba. Running from April 2025 through September 2026, Let’s ACT will empower local artists and cultural organizations through funding, training, mentorship, and community engagement.
To stay informed about this project, visit their website epicislands.org or Facebook or Instagram pages under the handle @PerpetualPlasticsSXM, or send them an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
