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March 19, 2014
Dear Friends,
The exchange continues! Building off the fruitful relationships with artists and institutions that arose from our first Haiti Exchange Trip in 2012 , last month HCX staff, Régine M. Roumain and Kassandra L. Khalil, returned to meet with Haiti-based culture creators. The primary purpose of our meetings was to support long-term relationship building as well as meet with potential presenting artists and collaborators for the much anticipated Selebrasyon! New York's celebration of Haitian Arts & Culture scheduled for May 18th - June 30th, 2014.
Though Selebrasyon! is taking place in New York, it is of utmost importance that social and cultural movements in Haiti are represented abroad. Building awareness, appreciation, and conversation around the Haiti of now helps us preserve our heritage and nurture informed and engaged communities.
With Selebrasyon! right around the corner, HCX is working to incorporate energies, ideas, and perspectives witnessed during this trip into YOUR festival!
TODAY we mark the launch of the Selebrasyon! Indiegogo fundraising campaign which will raise funds to support our city-wide festival of Haitian art & culture.
Take a look at upcoming event details, learn more about the festival, and get active! CLICK HERE and become part of the Selebrasyon!
 
#Selebrasyon
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Some highlights from the second HCX | Haiti Exchange Trip include...
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An n' Pale | Café Conversation with actor Gessica Généus!
A testament to the network HCX is endeavoring to build with Haiti-based institutions, the event was made available in the U.S. via live online audio stream on Radio One's Chokarella and hosted in collaboration with FOKAL in their beautiful theater space.
Gessica talked about her career focus, her inspirations and difficulties working as a Haitian actor and premiered one of four Vizaj Nou documentary shorts which features Haitian artists & activists in conversation about their lives. The screened episode highlighted Franketienne, the renowned Haitian playwright, poet, visual artist, and former Nobel Prize candidate. Click here to view a promo trailer for the series.
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 | | Baldomere Lenor, an ABN artisan leader |
ABN is creating opportunities for artisans to develop their craft and business in a global economy. They offer business training & merchandise support that works towards the sustainability of artisan communities.
Some great items from ABN are currently on sale at the HCX BOUTIK! Come check them out!
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With the assistance of fellow Haitian contemporary artists Maksaens Denis and Mario Benjamin, Jean was hanging his latest installation CARTE BLANCHE. Through a series of metal works and paintings, Jean's exhibit is an emotional interpretation of the Haitian people, of their trials, perseverance, movement, and beauty. |
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We met with so many talented artists and cultural organizations working to present the arts in Haiti. Here are a few:
Jean-René Delsoin Dancer & Choreographer Radio & TV Personality
Organizers of the Port-au-Prince Jazz Festival |
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For a look at the other places HCX Staff visited during the 2014 Haiti Exchange Trip, check out our photo album.
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We learned more about AfricAmerica, a coalition of artists seeking to build the visibility of Haitian culture worldwide. We also learned about Culture Haïti, a valuable online resource for events, archives, and opportunities. |
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A view from the top of the medicinal garden , overlooking the Katherine Dunham
Cultural Center.
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HCX received a guided tour of completed, in progress, and pre-development sections of Martissant Park, including the Katherine Dunham Cultural Center, Memorial to Earthquake Victims, and Medicinal Garden.
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 Attending Jakmel Joubare'n.
The free outdoor concert at Le Place Toussaint Louverture in Jacmel attracted roughly 10,000 people for a stellar line-up featuring BélO, DJ Gardy, DJ Tony Mix, Hot Men Rap, J-Perry, Kreyol La, Lakou Mizik, RAM, Symbi Roots (Rara Fanm) and Canadian alternative rock band Arcade Fire. The concert was hosted by HandzUp Group & the Artists Institute.
 | | Kassandra and Jean-Euphele Milce, president of PEN Haiti |
Visiting PEN Haiti.
We discussed opportunities for PEN Haiti resident authors to present in the U.S. as well as how we might connect U.S. based writers to PEN Haiti's dynamic salons, workshops, and residencies.
Saying Hello, Ayibobo, & Goodbye
with Boukman Eksperyans.
With son Paul Beaubrun of Zing Experience and drummer Morgan Zwerlin of Troupe Makandal, Boukman performed at YANVALOU and released some positive vibrations for our last night in town.
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Mèsi Anpil!
Nou ta renmen di yon gwo mèsi a tout moun an Ayiti ak nan Etazini ki te ede fè vwoyaj sa yon siksè. Mèsi pou tan ou, direksyon ou te ban nou, asanm ak tout sipò ou.
-Haiti Cultural Exchange |
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