The national creative and cultural community is mourning the death of publicist, marketing strategist, singer and mentor Janine Charles-Farray at the age of 39 on Saturday.
She was regarded as a friend and mentor by many who knew her. She was known as a fierce advocate for all forms of the arts and the creative industry.
Charles-Farray was involved in every aspect of everything creative in TT – from film to animation to dance to fashion to visual arts to theatre to music to mas to Carnival and beyond. Those posting tributes to her on social media described her as a mentor and friend who wasn’t afraid to give constructive criticism, advice, and assistance.
The T&T Performing Arts Network said on Saturday it was with a heavy heart that it announced the death of one of its founding board members, a true gladiator, champion, ambassador for the creative and cultural arts in TT, a mentor and a friend.
The National Drama Association of TT expressed shock and grief. In a release, its president Safa Niamat-Ali said Charles-Farray was one of the few marketing specialists who specialised in the arts. She said Charles-Farray was instrumental in collaborating with NDATT in spearheading several initiatives for practitioners during the pandemic.
“The then Ministry of Community Development, Culture and the Arts created the cultural relief grants because she spearheaded the effort to include creative and cultural workers as self employed to benefit from the grants.
“She understood the challenges faced by arts associations, organisations and groups and would give free advice and ideas to help them and steer them in directions that we wouldn't or couldn't think of. I don’t know if anyone could fill the void that now exists.”
Long-time friend Rachael Collymore, who runs PR and talent consulting agency Power Media Hub, said Charles-Farray was a colleague and creative industry professional and advocate, and much more.
“She was also a very dear and close friend, confidante, a sister from another mother, and ally. Over a decade of friendship, we developed a natural partnership between our businesses, collaborating on many projects as marketing strategist and publicist in the creative sector.
“We often discussed matters concerning the creative sector. It was only a few days ago we spoke at length about the changing landscape, while discussing plans for future collaborations in 2023. It saddens me to know she is no longer here and I would not be able to reason with her, seek her advice, or hear her voice and spirited conversation.”
FilmTT said it was deeply saddened.
“Janine was a fiercely passionate professional who strongly advocated for the arts and the creative industries in TT. Janine’s legacy will live on through her numerous projects for film, music, fashion and dance. As we reflect on her stellar career, we will particularly remember her hard work and commitment towards the film/tv marketing and promotions.”
Charles-Farray was also well known as a singer, performing with the Lydians Chorale since the ag
