PÒTOPRENS: The Urban Artists of Port-au-Prince Celebration

Join Pioneer Works for a special event celebrating the release of PÒTOPRENS: The Urban Artists of Port-au-Prince at Red Hook Labs on Saturday, March 19th from 6 to 9pm, presented in partnership with Haiti Cultural Exchange.

Printed in both English and Haitian Kreyòl, PÒTOPRENS is at once a portrait of Haiti’s capital, a celebration of its arts, and a visionary re-mapping of culture in the world’s first Black republic. Published to celebrate a landmark exhibition which debuted at Pioneer Works in 2018 before traveling to the Museum of Contemporary Art, North Miami the following year, PÒTOPRENS comprises the first major survey of contemporary artists of urban Haiti.

The program will feature spoken word by writer Jennifer Celestin, live drumming, a performance by multidisciplinary artist Sheila Anozier accompanied by percussionist Tiga Jean-Baptiste, a musical set by composer and turntablist Val Jeanty, and food by Maryse Felix of Belle’s Kitchen (formerly of Kombit). Books will be available for purchase at a 10% off discounted rate, with the first twenty buyers receiving a free PÒTOPRENS t-shirt.

About Haiti Cultural Exchange

Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX) was founded in 2009 by seven Haitian women with the aim to create a permanent presence for Haitian Arts & Culture in our city. Their programs in the arts, education and public affairs raise awareness of social issues and foster cultural understanding within and beyond the Haitian community. Their activities deepen appreciation of the rich diversity of Haitian arts culture in New York City—one of the primary outposts of the Haitian diaspora—and provide opportunities for artists of Haitian descent to develop and present their work.

In accordance with the New York City mandate, Key to NYC, visitors (age 12+) must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter Pioneer Works at Red Hook Labs. Be prepared to show your proof of vaccination upon arrival to Pioneer Works at Red Hook Labs. Please review our updated Health and Safety Policy here.

Co-presented with Haiti Cultural Exchange.

Special thanks to New Belgium Brewing Company.