MIRAMAR — Continuing their tradition, THELAR Management Group and the Macaya Foundation hosted the sixth annual Haitian Creative and Cultural Industries Symposium (HCCIS) on Saturday, March 30, at the Miramar Branch Library and Education Center. The symposium catered to a diverse group, including Haitian students, established and emerging Haitian artists across all disciplines, non-profit arts organizations, media figures, cultural journalists, arts sector professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as government officials and legislators.
The 2024 edition, themed “Importance of Education for the Development of the Haitian Art Sector,” attracted prominent speakers from Haitian and non-Haitian backgrounds alike. Notables such as Godson Antoine, a conservator, restorer, and art historian; Yvon ‘Kapi’ Andre, a pianist, vocalist, and songwriter from the Haitian kompa band Tabou Combo; and Edna ‘Miss Edna’ Bland, a theater arts educator based in New York City, shared their insights. The focus was on the crucial role of cultural and artistic education in schools, particularly in Haiti, with most speakers participating through live stream video.
Speaker Godson Antoine discussed various strategies that the Haitian Minister of Education has previously employed to incorporate arts and culture into the school curriculum.
He noted that regrettably Haiti has not fully leveraged the technology sector to showcase its rich culture to the world. For example, he mentioned that in 2015, when Haiti hosted the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) – an annual festival aimed at promoting the arts of the Caribbean, with a different country hosting each year – it missed the opportunity to do so.
Godson acknowledged the current chaotic and dire situation in the country, emphasizing the critical need for stability to ensure the sector’s normal functioning and widespread participation in cultural activities. Despite these challenges, he highlighted the importance of continuing to teach Haitian culture to children through online activities.
Followed was Edna M. Bland (“Miss Edna”), a puppeteer, certified educator and teaching artist. She is the creator of Lovely Day Creative Arts, a company that focuses on educational and inspirational projects, as well as Sock n’ Sew Puppets, which makes puppetry kits for schools and local community projects.
In her speech, she imparted her wealth of experiences to the audience, as a woman with an impressive career, dedicated twenty years to the entertainment industry, collaborating with major companies, including a role as an assistant in the children’s department at Sony Music.
Edna particularly reflects on her transition from the entertainment business to embracing the role of a certified educator. Her journey highlights the bridge between artistic passion and educational contribution, showcasing how skills in the arts can be effectively utilized in teaching and inspiring others.
“Mentorship and internship programs are crucial for launching a successful career, providing the initial foothold you need,” she emphasized. In addition to these programs, she stressed the importance of networking, advising, “Don’t underestimate its value; it’s also key to success.” She encouraged the young attendees to pursue careers that align with their passions, reminding them, “Choose a path you’re truly passionate about—it should be in your blood, as success doesn’t happen overnight.”
She also emphasized the importance of differentiating oneself, advising, “Make yourself stand out from the rest. Do it with purpose.”
The speaker underlined the critical need for artists to be business-savvy, stressing, “As an artist, it’s essential to understand the business side of the arts sector.”
At the conclusion of her speech, she shared a valuable resource, the website Faae.org, encouraging attendees to explore various fields within the art sector for further learning and development.
Yvon Andre, affectionately known as Kapi, the drummer for Tabou Combo, expressed his enthusiasm for participating in an event that celebrated Haitian culture. He pointed out the resilience of Haitian culture, noting that despite the current dysfunction in Haiti, the tradition left by pioneers continues to thrive.
For Kapi, culture is what’s left when everything else in a country has collapsed. Its essence is the collective memory and practice of a nation. It plays a critical role in preserving a nation’s identity, offering a sense of belonging and continuity that can withstand external shocks.
Kapi, who has been with Tabou Combo since 1968, accentuated the importance of education in achieving success and the transformative impact of cultural pride. He commended Wyclef Jean for positively influencing the youngest generation of Haitian Americans, who previously might have hidden their heritage. Wyclef Jean’s proud display of the Haitian flag at a music awards event has fostered a renewed sense of patriotism and identity among them.
Kapi criticized the local DJ’s who take pleasure in denigrating the Haitian women. He also denounced the lack of academic skills of many who called themselves Radio hosts ready to judge an artist song, noting those people do not even understand the basic when it comes to music, arts and culture.
The symposium featured other prominent figures such as Berwick Augustin, an educator, author, and SpokenWord Artist, alongside Myriame Pierre, who is recognized for her work as an educator, photographer, and visual artist. Their participation highlighted the event’s emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to Haitian creative and cultural industries.
Miramar Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis, known for her close ties with the South Florida Haitian community, played a significant role as one of the main sponsors. Her involvement underscores the local government’s support for Haitian cultural initiatives.
In her address, Vice Mayor Alexandra Davis extended her congratulations to the heads of Thelar Management Group and Macaya Foundation, Ms. Farah Larrieux and Mrs. Myrtho Cavé Valcin, respectively. She commended their annual commitment to the symposium since its inception in 2019, highlighting the event’s sustained efforts to celebrate and promote Haitian culture.
The event enjoyed the backing of various institutions and companies, including Florida Lottery, Transversal Branding, Le Floridien, Explosion Show. This broad sponsorship not only demonstrates the event’s appeal but also its importance in fostering cultural appreciation and understanding.
Dessalines Ferdinand
Le Floridien
