As some of you know I recently had the opportunity to travel to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, in mid-December of last year. A good friend, and alumni of mine from Ryerson was accepted into the first annual Ghetto Biennale and invited me to join her at this festival to document her project as she traveled through the city of Port-Au-Prince.

The experience was truly beyond words.

It was a simultaneously wonderful and difficult eye-opening experience: something I'm still struggling to put into words and process now that I'm back. My involvement in this project took us through many different areas of the city; from the rural communities, to private beaches, through parks, road side shops and into some of the worst ghettos in Haiti, and ultimately the western hemisphere.


A young boy jumps over yarn near a road-side village, Carrefour, Haiti
A local man speaks with Allison regarding the state of living in his community, Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti


Our self-designated tour guide jumps over a ravine, Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti


Children wonder through the village with Allison, Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti


A young boy toys happily with a piece of yarn, Cite Soleil, Port-au-Prince, Haiti


Allison chats with Romel and his friends near Harbourfront, Boulevard La Saline, Port-au-Prince, Haiti


Allison speaks with some locals in a local park, Port-au-Prince, Haiti


Our translator Junior, Allison & I stop for a quick portrait in a Private Beach, Carrefour, Haiti

Although much of this was difficult to take in, the one common thread that I encountered while visiting was the pure kindness, openness and pleasant spirit of the Haitian people. They literally opened their homes and community to visiting artists from around the world and shared their talents, techniques, and beliefs. I was completely floored by their generous nature and open hearts despite the prevalent poverty and lack of basic necessities. As a result I met many amazing people, forged friendships and left with an intention to return once more.


Eugene's sculpture garden before the Biennale, Grand Rue, Haiti


Sculpture detail, Grand Rue, Haiti


We had an amazing time at the Ghetto Biennale Exhibition on December 16th. It was a chance for visiting artists to showcase their work amongst some of the best artistic talent in Haiti. Along with the visiting artisits, sculptures, painters, local bands, voodoo dancers and many locals came out to enjoy the event:


A young boy joins the celebration through dance and song in Jesse Darling's Trash Church, Grand Rue, Haiti


The Janbe Dance Institute entertains the crowds with traditional music and dancing, Grand Rue, Haiti


Members of The Janbe Dance Institute play as they march out of the Biennale, Grand Rue, Haiti


The Janbe Dance Institute play Horns at the entrance of the Biennale, Grand Rue, Haiti


The strength of the Grand Rue community was contagious and we felt save, welcome and accepted. While this community is strong, resourceful and supportive of each other their health care services, emergency response teams and infrastructure are not. This earthquake has been devastating to the country, community and


It is imperative that aid and help arrive as soon as possible, many many people are in need of medical attention and basic human necessities: food, water, shelter. Please take a moment and open your hearts to help. Every little bit would be appreciated - you don't need to give much.

Government of Canada - CIDA
You may have already heard that the government of Canada has offered to match donations made by Canadians up to 50 million dollars to accredited organizations such as The Canadian Red Cross. Although some of this funding will inevitably get caught up in administration costs. If you have the ability to make a large donation this would be a great choice as your contribution will be matched by the government. For more information on the process, or to search out other organizations that qualify please visit their website.


The Foundry Haiti Fund
Some of the people who organized the Ghetto Biennale have set up a PayPal site so that you can donate directly to those who need it. Leah Gordon, a women whom I had the pleasure to meet and work with in Haiti, was one of the organizers of the Biennale and has been working and living near the Grande Rue periodically over the last few years. She will be arriving in Haiti in a few days to get this aid out as soon as possible to community that opened their doors to us. It is a good option to get money into the hands of those in need without dealing with administrative costs. Please note that the site is based in England, and donations are accepted in pounds - 1 pound = $1.67 CDN.

Also, if you are able to contribute, PLEASE BE PATIENT as many of the online sites are experiencing slow processing times due to high volume.

We are waiting to hear word on many of the Haitians we met while visiting - their are unconfirmed reports of the passing of one of The Sculptures of The Grande Rue, and we are awaiting to hear more. Our translators, Rodrigue & Junior and many of the amazing young people we befriended have yet to be heard from. One of the artists involved in the show was sadly killed in the area as a result of the fallen buildings and many of those who returned home after the show are on their way back to try and help any way they can.

While I look forward to sharing more information about my trip and experience as a part of the Ghetto Biennale in the future, for now I wanted to share ways you can help those who have been directly effected.

Thanks, I appreciate that you've taken the time to read this - please feel free to link back or share any of the above information with family & friends.

-Larissa

Streets of Port-Au-Prince, Haiti at dusk on Dec.15, 2009

**UPDATE** February 1st, 2010

It has been confirmed that Louko, one of the very talented artists from The Grande Rue was killed during the quake - he was a vibrant man and a great asset to their community who will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his friends and family.

Allison and I have been in contact with Romel and Alex, two of the lovely boys we worked with while traveling in Haiti and they have both survived. Our translators, Rodrigue & Junior are also ok - news which we were extremely happy to receive. A video artist who was also involved in the Biennale, Rob Peterson, recently shared this video by Georgia Poppelwell with me and I thought I'd pass it along.

The women featured here, Belle, is quite incredible - she is well spoken, kind, friendly and extremely intelligent. We spent time together throughout our visit in Port-au-Prince and always enjoyed her company and insight. Here is her explanation of the state of living in the Grand Rue today: