Art & Culture

It has been said that Haiti has more artists per capita than any nation in the world. For proof look at the stream of hand painted trucks, signs and advertisements throughout any Haitian city. One of the nation's cradles of this creativity is Jacmel which is often referred to as Haiti's Cultural Capital. With a long history and tradition of producing some of the nations best respected poets and painters and the most colorful, creative and theatrical annual carnival celebration, Jacmel is deserving of the title. Today Jacmel's artistic sector is alive and well, producing collections for Donna Karan and Macy's to name a few. The town's film school is growing a local industry known as Jollywood with filmmakers from around the world supporting the movement and the town's music school was recently honored by First Lady Michelle Obama who gave them the International Spotlight Award as part of the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program awards.

Inspiring and nurturing Jacmel's artists is the town itself. From the french colonial architecture of the historic district, to the bustling packed streets of the market place, to the colorful Haitian storefronts along Barranquilla and to the weekend nightime social scene at La Kou New York, there is a celebration of life through music, dance, language and manners that will fill anyone with hope and some joy. There are places in the world where creativity thrives and artists congregate. Jacmel is one of them.