Ann Kwape Vyolans avèk Lakilti: Launch of Phases 2, 3 and 4
Professionalization workshops, peace-focused dialogue spaces, and creative residencies for Haitian artists from the most vulnerable communities will be launched simultaneously at the beginning of March and will continue through August.
The Ann Kwape Vyolans avèk Lakilti project, initiated by the OAS Office in Haiti in partnership with the Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) and supported by the Government of Canada, was officially launched in early February. It comprises five key components.
The first phase, which involved mapping and assessing the situation of artists and artisans from artistic communities near the Centre d’Art, aims to better understand the challenges faced by creators impacted by the worsening security situation.
This phase is currently being finalized, and the findings of the assessment will be shared in early March.
Professionalization Workshops
The second phase of the project will be launched on Friday, March 7, 2025. As part of this phase, the Centre d’Art will organize professionalization workshops for around twenty artists from the neighborhoods of Bel-Air, Grand-Rue, Croix-des-Bouquets, and Carrefour-Feuilles.
The goal of this phase is to better equip the artists by providing training in how to develop professional portfolios and manage their artistic careers. The workshops will be structured around five modules:
- Project design and portfolio development
- Archiving techniques, artwork registration, and copyright
- Networking and professional opportunities
- Budget planning and fundraising
- Public relations and artistic career management
The workshops will be facilitated by Gary Lubin, Love-Mary Coqmar, Ervenshy Jean Louis, and Allenby Augustin, and will conclude on Friday, July 4, 2025.
Creating Spaces for Dialogue Around Peace
The third phase of the project will focus on creating a dedicated space for dialogue around peace. Community-based discussions will bring together artists and artisans to explore themes such as tolerance, non-violence, peace, and culture.
These exchanges will take the form of roundtable discussions led by professionals in conflict management, who will support participants in processing trauma, managing tensions, and expressing their experiences through artistic creation. The emphasis will be on conflict resolution through art.
These dialogues will be facilitated by Jacqueline Baussan and Roseline Benjamin, and will run from March 11 to August 5, 2025.
Special attention is being given to women artists and craftswomen, who face numerous challenges in a deteriorating climate. In addition to economic insecurity, they often lack training and visibility opportunities. Many are also affected by gender-based violence, making it all the more essential to provide safe spaces where they can express themselves freely, receive support, and turn their lived experiences into artistic strength.
Creations for Haitian Artists
The fourth phase of the project will focus on the establishment of creative residencies. These residencies will provide artists and artisans from various communities with a safe space to freely express themselves through their artwork.
At the conclusion of these residencies, a final exhibition will be held on August 9, offering the public a chance to experience and discover the creations produced during this period.