"Ann Kwape Tout Fòm Vyolans avèk Lakilti": art and culture as tools for peace and reconciliation

In response to the escalating violence perpetrated by armed gangs in Haiti, the Centre d’Art, with support from the Organization of American States (OAS), is implementing the “Ann Kwape Tout Fòm Vyolans avèk Lakilti” project. This initiative aims to leverage art and culture as powerful tools for reconciliation in the communities most deeply affected.

The country is currently facing a surge of violence that is gradually spreading to multiple regions. Several hubs of artistic creation in the West Department — including Bel-Air, Cité Soleil, Grand-Rue, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Carrefour-Feuilles — have been severely impacted. The Centre d’Art has mobilized to support these artistic communities, though its actions have so far been primarily emergency responses.

This year, with the backing of the OAS, the Centre d’Art is committed to launching long-term initiatives aimed at helping to rebuild the social fabric torn apart by conflict. These efforts will seek to foster dialogue and solidarity within neighborhoods, drawing on the transformative power of art to promote social cohesion.

The “Ann Kwape Tout Fòm Vyolans avèk Lakilti” project seeks to foster intercommunity dialogue through art and culture. It provides the Centre d’Art with a unique opportunity to play a direct role in violence prevention and the promotion of community dialogue, by working closely with at-risk youth. This includes awareness-raising initiatives through dialogue spaces and access to personal development opportunities through the arts.

The project’s direct beneficiaries will primarily be artists and artisans — men and women aged 18 to 40 — who have been, or continue to be, directly affected by the destruction of their studios or other forms of violence.

This initiative forms part of the “Chanjman bèl n ap fè l” program, led by the OAS Office in Haiti in partnership with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF), and supported by the Government of Canada as part of its broader efforts to reduce community-based violence.

This eight-month project is structured around five key activities:

1. Mapping of affected artists and craftspeople
This assessment aims to identify artists and craftspeople within the impacted communities, gain a deeper understanding of the local artistic landscape, and compile a detailed inventory of needs to ensure a targeted and effective response.

2. Professional development of artists and craftspeople
A series of workshops will be held to strengthen participants’ autonomy and professional skills. These sessions will focus on building artistic portfolios and CVs, thereby opening the door to broader professional opportunities. Special emphasis will be placed on the inclusion of women artists and artisans, who often face significant societal and familial barriers.

3. Creation of community dialogue spaces around peace
Community dialogues led by artists and craftspeople will be organized around key themes such as tolerance, non-violence, peace, and culture. These discussions will take the form of roundtables and will be facilitated by conflict management professionals, who will guide participants in designing and implementing these spaces for collective expression and reflection.

4. Creative residencies
These residencies will offer safe spaces where artists and craftspeople from different communities can express themselves through their creations. They will serve as a means to channel emotions and personal experiences into artistic works. Special attention will be given to girls and young women who are survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), by providing them with a supportive environment where they can grow, find their voice, and rebuild their personal resilience through art.

5. Public showcases of the artworks
The artworks created during the residencies will be exhibited at dedicated public events. These showcases will provide potential buyers with the opportunity to acquire the pieces, playing a vital role in stimulating and revitalizing the local economy of the affected communities.