New Waves! 2025 General Info & FAQs
REGISTRATION & FEES
Registration requires a $250 USD non-refundable DEPOSIT. The participation fee is $1000 USD for International participants and $4500 TTD ($700 USD) for CARICOM participants, which includes all sessions - performances, keynotes, workshops, special events, and shuttle service for New Waves! 2025 programs. LATE REGISTRATION is now open and closes on Monday, 5 May 2025.
One-Day and Two-Day Passes are available for local participants.
DATES OF ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE
Participants should plan to arrive on Tuesday, 29 July, and depart on Saturday, 2 August 2025. Visiting artists should fly into Piarco International Airport.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Limited accommodations are available through the Institute. Register early to secure a room. All other participants are responsible for booking accommodations in Port of Spain.
ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS
Every person entering Trinidad must have a valid passport, a valid return ticket, and an entry visa if required. *** All visitors must have a local address and contact number to pass through customs upon arrival.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE/SCHOLARSHIPS
The Institute offers Payment Plans and Local Scholarships. Limited partial scholarships are available. Scholarships generally cover 25-50% of the participation fees. New Waves! recommends applying early.
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Local travel is provided to all participants via the Institute shuttle service, which is available for transport to and from all Institute programs and events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Participation
When does registration for New Waves! 2025 close?
31 March 2025. Register online now.
Is a deposit required to register?
Yes. Registration requires a $250 USD non-refundable DEPOSIT for both International and Regional participants.
What is included in the participation fee?
The full participation fee includes all sessions - performances, keynotes, workshops, special events (food is provided), and local transportation for New Waves! 2025 programs.
Where will New Waves! 2025 programs and events take place?
New Waves! 2025 will take place across multiple arts, cultural, and natural spaces throughout Port of Spain.
Where can I see a full program schedule for New Waves! 2025 programs and events take place?
A full program schedule for New Waves! 2025 will be available in May 2025.
Can I volunteer for New Waves! 2025?
Yes, please contact us.
Travel & Accommodation
Are accommodations included in the participation fee?
Limited accommodations are available through the Institute. Register early to secure a room. Otherwise, participants are responsible for securing accommodation. Details on hotels/accommodation with group booking rates will be available in April 2025.
Past participants have utilized Airbnb. We recommend the following areas of Port of Spain: St. Anns, Cascade, Newtown, Woodbrook, St. James, St. Clair, and Maraval.
Can New Waves! help me find a roommate?
A great place to give fellow New Waves! Surfers a heads-up that you are looking for a roommate is the New Waves! Institute Resource Group. Visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/NewWavesResourceGroup/ to join the group. You must have registered to access the Resource Group.
Are meals included?
No. Daily meals are NOT included. However, food will be provided for all New Waves! 2025 events. Participants should budget $25 USD per day for food. Local Trinidad cuisine blends Indian, African, Creole, Amerindian, European, Chinese and Lebanese gastronomic influences.
When should I plan to arrive in Trinidad?
Participants should plan to arrive on Tuesday, 29 July and depart Saturday, 2 August 2025. Visiting artists should fly into Piarco International Airport.*** All visitors must have a local address and contact number to pass through customs upon arrival.
Can the Institute help me apply for a visa?
The Institute will provide a formal letter of invitation for visa applications. A Letter of Invitation can be requested via email to institute@makedathomas.org to document your participation.
How do I get from the airport once I arrive in Trinidad?
Utilize either the private taxis for hire or free public bus service at Piarco International Airport. See http://www.tntairports.com/piarco/taxi.html for info on bus and taxi service, including schedule and rates. You may also rent a car at Piarco.
How do I get to/from Institute classes from/to the accommodation?
The Institute provides shuttle transportation between all Institute program sites and designated pickup areas near accommodations.
What should I pack?
Wifi capable device (for Institute updates)
Journal
Reusable aluminum container for water
Reusable container for lunch - refrigerator available
All prescription medication required
Sunscreen, sunglasses, beach towel, insect repellent mosquito net and a hat
Yoga/Pilates Mat
Light sweater/jacket for cool evenings
Long skirt/cloth for ceremonies
Finance & Payments
When is the balance due?
Full payment must be made by 15 May 2025.
How do I “Make a Payment”?
Invoices are generated upon payment of the deposit. You can also send payment via Zelle to "mgmtarts@gmail.com" or PayPal to “institute@makedathomas.org”. Additional payment options include direct bank deposit (for participants based in Trinidad and Tobago) and Moneygram transfer. Please email us for additional info regarding payment options.
Is there a payment plan available?
Yes. Go ahead and pay in increments with a note marking “New Waves!”. Keep your Transaction ID numbers. The Institute will not email separate confirmation of your payments.
Can I get a refund?
A full refund less the non-refundable deposit will given until 15 May 2025. No refunds will be given after 15 May 2025 for any reason.