Caribbean culture

The intention was to create a forum for writers, artists and critics from the English-speaking Caribbean, resident at that time in the United Kingdom. A major literary and cultural movement developed which expanded beyond West Indian writers and artists to encompass members from the United Kingdom, Europe, Africa, Black America and the Commonwealth.

Talks, discussions, conferences, recitals and art exhibitions provided an opportunity to explore new directions in Caribbean arts and culture at a time of political and social change. There were three co-founders of the movement: Edward Kamau Brathwaite , the poet, literary critic and historian born in Barbados; the poet, novelist, academic and broadcaster Andrew Salkey born in Jamaica and the political and cultural activist, poet, essayist and publisher John La Rose born in Trinidad.

The co-founders were concerned that many Caribbean writers and artists were being marginalised and did not have the opportunity to meet up and discuss their work and interests. The idea of forming a structured organisation was rejected in favour of a forum to allow people to meet in a more informal way. There was no group ideology or manifesto defined in advance, and any attempts to convert CAM into a Black Power movement were strongly resisted.

Jamaican artists

CAM can be seen as part of a wider movement for change in Caribbean society. Writers, artists, dramatists, actors, publishers, critics and students were all encouraged to join. CAM was inclusive rather than exclusive and essentially open to anyone who wanted to share and understand the needs and aspirations of Caribbean artists. A small informal meeting was held in private on 19 December at the flat of Edward and Doris Brathwaite in Mecklenburgh Square, London.

The three co-founders were present along with the writers and critics Louis James and Orlando Patterson, the playwright and scriptwriter Evan Jones and Anthony Haynes. The artist Aubrey Williams was also invited to join the group. The first talk and discussion was considered a success and at the end of this meeting the name 'Caribbean Artists Movement', suggested by Nerys Patterson, was decided upon by those present.

Informal meetings and discussions continued in private, held in members' flats and residences in London.