- Words Josephine Amstad
Havana Club aims to inspire the next generation of ‘party makers’ through its mentoring programme and generous financial grant.
Resolved to export its infectious Cuban party energy all over the world, Havana Club has launched its ‘Party Makers’ project, created to support the next generation of aspiring event coordinators, festival organisers and late-night venue owners.
While the industry has faced a tumultuous few years due to the pandemic, Havana Club aims to celebrate those who foster a genuine culture of unity and create memories that last a lifetime. Every party is different, from Havana to Tokyo, London to Moscow – Havana Club aims to support party makers from all corners of the globe. As well as benefitting from mentorship from one of the Party Makers judges, successful candidates will receive financial backing and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the home of Havana Club: Cuba.
“Overnight, the pandemic put an end to live events and parties, with it taking an essential revenue source for those working across the event, festival and nightlife industries which have long been the driving force behind Havana Club. As the world begins to reopen, we’re committed to supporting up-and-coming entrepreneurs and venues to bring people together once again,” explains Anne Martin, Global Marketing Director at Havana Club International.
The culturally diverse panel boasts four world-renowned judges: Imran Ciesay, Grace Ladoja, Jo Vidler and Lionel Obam. The judges will select 27 finalists from the entries and go on to organise workshops and mentor the nine lucky regional winners, offering their expert advice on how to navigate the industry post-Covid.
Applications are open from October 14th to November 30th and candidates will have the chance to outline their vision and explain how the grant money will bring this vision to life. Finalists will be shortlisted from three regions including EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), Asia Pacific and the Americas. While it is not the easiest time to start out as a party maker, Havana Club aims to make this dream a reality. The nine regional winners will be rewarded with a €5,000 grant to invest in their business, while the overall winner will receive a further €15,000.
“As a brand, we have a long history of supporting nightlife entrepreneurs, and it is a great honour to take this tradition to another level. We look forward to hearing the inspirational thoughts from candidates across the globe in the coming months and welcoming the finalists to our home in Havana, Cuba.”