Lakou NOU, an arts residency program, has entered its latest phase, offering four Haitian-descended artists the opportunity to create innovative projects connected to the Brooklyn neighborhoods of Crown Heights, Canarsie, East Flatbush and Flatbush.
Launched in 2016, the program is inspired by the traditional Haitian communal living system, "Lakou," which emphasizes land, family, and spirituality. The initiative, organized by the Haiti Cultural Exchange, allows artists to explore the intersection of cultural identity and community engagement through their work, according to a press release.
Each artist in this year’s program will develop distinct projects that reflect the histories and cultures of varius Brookyn neighborhoods, which have long been home to generations of Haitians and Haitian-Americans. They include:
Laurie ‘Zamí’ Germain – Crown Heights
Germain, a non-binary cultural worker, is creating a project informed by culturally deviant gender dynamics and generational displacements. Through contemplative storytelling and oral history practices, Germain will hold space for narrators to share their experiences of familial and ancestral culture. The project, influenced by Germain’s diverse upbringing across Southern and Eastern Africa, will offer an intimate look into Haitian identities. “As a writer, I know my most honest and impactful work is also a study of self,” said Germain, who is currently pursuing a master’s in Oral History at Columbia University.
Stephanie Pierre – East Flatbush
Pierre’s "Roots to Routes" will be a photojournalistic wayfinding campaign aimed at highlighting the contributions of Haitian and Haitian-American community members over the last 30 years. The project will serve as a functional living map inspired by Haitian culture, guiding both long-time residents and new arrivals through East Flatbush. “Finding your way will take on new meaning,” said Pierre, a cultural curator and founder of The Melanin Project, which celebrates marginalized narratives and collective healing.
Watson Mere – Flatbush
Mere, an award-winning visual and performance artist, will create "Yon Nouvo Rèv," an exhibition that delves into Haitian spirituality. The project will feature public workshops, seminars on Haitian culture, and artistic professional development sessions aimed at strengthening community ties in Flatbush. “My art has always been about unpacking cultural narratives, and this residency allows me to bring that conversation to life in a deeper way,” Mere said. His work has been exhibited in prestigious venues, including the Barclays Center and the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts.
Tania Balan-Gaubert – Canarsie
Balan-Gaubert’s project draws from the traditional Haitian marketplace to create a collaborative, maker-driven creative space in Canarsie. This hybrid platform will blend a studio, commission-free gallery, and curated concept shop, fostering innovation and social engagement. "I want to build a space where art, commerce, and community intersect in a way that empowers local creators," said Balan-Gaubert, an interdisciplinary artist whose work explores race, transnational identity, and history.
