the concept
JouvayFest's mission is to preserve and present traditional Trinidad and Tobago-style J'ouvert, the pre-dawn carnival celebration. J'ouvert, a French word, meaning "I open or opening of the day." ​It was created by emancipated Africans in the predominantly French colonized Caribbean countries, after being denied participation in the festivities of the ruling class. It was officially recognized by British authorities after many bitter battles and the CANE’ BOULAY (burnt cane) Riots in 1881, also known as KAMBULE. This was the only time the Africans were allowed to celebrate among themselves. JouvayFest provides arts in education workshops including traditional characters, history, dance, Carnival Arts, street processions, exhibitions, theatrical storytelling with fully costumed characters, and live music. The Collective is a non-for-profit 501-C-3 organization composed of an intergenerational group of musicians, community arts groups, costume designers, choreographers, historians, carnival enthusiasts, producers, filmmakers, journalists, and dedicated masqueraders.In collaboration with our international and national like-minded partners, we use creative and performance-based expressions to engage in social, and cultural events, enhancing the empowerment and well-being of African/Caribbean Diasporic people.
A Glimpse From the Street
The streets are transformed with anonymous revellers disguised in traditional costumes, mud, paint, powder, accompanied by pulsating music, engaging movement bringing in the dawn of the day…J’ouvert is here! ​
Until the sun rises, a stunning spectacle, the street procession dissipates and merges into the “day time” of “pretty” mas (masquerade) an explosion of communal color, music, revelry, and creativity.
Through the exploration and understanding of African culture, folklore, religion, and traditions, we harness the historical and contemporary aspects of masquerade/carnival from across the globe and use that knowledge to influence the design and delivery of our projects. Those intercultural experiences are used throughout our activities, such as:
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​​Social Action
SOCIAL ACTION – empowering and mobilising communities and neighbourhoods to respond to social issues that matter to them e.g. Brooklyn JOUVAYFEST 2017 – ‘Kritical Mas’ calling for Reflection and Unity in the wake of Black Lives Matter.
Community Enterprise
COMMUNITY ENTERPRISE – supporting the development of enterprising individuals and groups e.g. pop up shop sales of ethical jewelry, clothing, and artifacts.
Social Leadership
SOCIAL LEADERSHIP – offering training and development to create effective ethical social change leaders e.g. intergenerational mentoring, coaching and engagement activity workshops.
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Collaborations
COLLABORATIONS – working together with international creatives, artistes and artisans e.g promoting, hosting and participating in International Music Festivals in Morocco, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, Cape Verdi. Participating in Brooklyn J’ouvert with musicians from Brazil, Guadeloupe and French Guiana where English is not the first language.
Capacity Building
CAPACITY BUILDING - strengthening the skills, abilities, processes and resources of communities and groups e.g. hosting workshops on the steel pan musical instruments in schools in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.
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Research
RESEARCH – exploring, investigating and fact-finding of creative, social, political, economic and environmental concerns e.g. historical investigation and documentation of the works of the late Ken Morris – founder and pioneer of Copper Repousse crafting technique.
JOUVAYFEST is embedded in a set of core principles that are grounded in the concept of green sustainability to challenge assumptions that there is a disconnect between African/Caribbean diaspora and a commitment to environmental issues.
MAKE A DONATION
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We appreciate your support in helping us continue our cultural and educational mission
This website is partially made possible with funds from the Destination> Brooklyn Program, funded by the Office of the Brooklyn Borough President and NYC & Company Foundation, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council.