Seemingly to make participants feel at home, temperatures soared to 37 degrees as a festival
of Haitian art and culture began in Paris.
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| Organiser Josette Bruffaerts-Thomas |
“Haϊti aux
Grands Voisins” was launched on June 21, during France’s annual Fête de la
Musique (Music Fest) and also during the hottest week of the year so far in the
French capital.
But the heat
only heightened the spirit of cooperation, as volunteers worked to hang
paintings, set up stands, prepare for concerts and display books (at a mini
book fair that includes literature from some of Haiti’s neighbours).
The festival
is the brainchild of former lecturer Josette Bruffaerts-Thomas, president of a Franco-Haitian
organization called Haϊti Futur that works to promote quality education and
entrepreneurship in the Caribbean country.
The aim of
the five-day event is to showcase the side of Haitian culture that often gets
overlooked in international media reports, Bruffaerts-Thomas said. On display
are works by leading Haitian painters and photographers such as Elodie
Barthélémy, Eddy Saint-Martin and Henry Roy, along with emerging artists like Sandra Dessalines, who creates striking papier-mâché work, and Jephthe Carmil, who focuses on installations.
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| Photographer Henry Roy stands next to a painting by Elodie Barthelemy. (Photo: McKenzie/SWAN) |
This new festival also
comprises concerts, film screenings, literary presentations, conferences and
workshops.
Performers Joyshanti and
Jackson Thélémaque will bring their special brand of energy to the live shows, while
a number of chefs will offer courses in Haitian cuisine, and scholars will
discuss a range of subjects - notably, the impact of Haiti’s history on its contemporary culture.
The “Grands
Voisins” venue, located in the heart of Paris near the famed Catacombs, is an exceptional site that
brings together groups and individuals working to improve lives.
Its open spaces, special accommodations, organic-food
cafes and atmosphere of solidarity is a good match for this innovative festival
celebrating Haitian culture.
For more information: http://www.haitiauxgrandsvoisins.com/
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| Artist Eddy Saint-Martin, with one of his works, at the "Haiti aux Grands Voisins" festival. (Photo: McKenzie/SWAN)  and other materials. (Photo: McKenzie/SWAN) |
