Our Story
Culture Is Not Optional
Need Culture is an events and experiential production company rooted in the Cayman Islands — built to present Caymanian identity with the elevation it deserves.
50+
Events Produced
12K+
Community Members Reached
6
Years of Need Culture
1
Island. Infinite Stories.
How It Started
Born from a Feeling
Need Culture began with a simple, persistent feeling: that Caymanian culture was not being seen the way it deserved to be seen. Not by the world, and not always by ourselves.
We are a small island with an outsized story. Generations of seafarers, artisans, storytellers, and community builders have shaped a culture that is distinct, resilient, and deeply worth celebrating. But too often, that culture was presented as a footnote — a Heritage Month display, a tourism brochure, a costume.
We wanted something different. We wanted events that felt like the culture itself: warm, bold, community-rooted, and unapologetically Caymanian. So we built them.
What Drives Us
Our Mission
"To present Caymanian culture and heritage in an elevated way — through events, stories, and experiences that bring our community together and show the world who we are."
Community First
Every decision we make starts with the question: does this serve our community? Culture without community is just performance.
Elevation
We believe Caymanian culture deserves world-class production, intentional design, and the same investment as any major cultural institution.
Storytelling
Stories are how cultures survive. We are committed to creating spaces where Caymanian stories can be told, heard, and remembered.
Authenticity
We are not outsiders packaging identity for consumption. We are Caymanians building something for ourselves — and inviting the world to witness it.
The People
Who We Are
A small team with a big belief: that culture is necessary, not optional.
Marcus Ebanks
Co-Founder & Creative Director
Marcus has spent over a decade working at the intersection of culture, events, and community in the Cayman Islands. He believes that the best events don't just entertain — they transform.
Kezia McLaughlin
Co-Founder & Head of Storytelling
Kezia is a writer and cultural practitioner whose work explores Caymanian identity, heritage, and the stories that hold communities together. She leads Need Culture's editorial voice.
Dani Bodden
Head of Events & Production
Dani brings meticulous attention to detail and a deep love of community to every event she produces. If it runs on time and feels right, that's Dani's work.
Want to Work With Us?
Whether you're a sponsor, a collaborator, or a community member with an idea — we want to hear from you.