DEPOTE

PRINT WORK AND GARNMENTS MANUFACTURING IN KAY NOU

CONTEXT

The Arts have a strong presence in Haitian society. Painting, craft, music and dance are broadly

available and visible. They function as means of communication, to be seen not only in closed

quarters, but in the streets, parks and ceremonies. Bel Air has a traditional name in the arts,

with several craft groups. The street markets in the Zone display a large number of valuable art

products. Viva Rio has worked with art from the beginning of its presence in Bel Air. The

Carnival of 2007, for instance, was the main entry point for Viva Rio and its development

projects. Together with sports, on another symbolic pole, the ARTS are appealing to children

and youth. They are form an important dimension of Viva Rio’s program.

The Education and art program wants to bring sustainable peace and development, and

educational and psycho-social support, for young people whose lives and futures have been

disrupted by violent conflicts and natural disasters. The community center Kay Nou is intended

to serve children and youth creating a place where they feel both safe and challenged, investing

in both personal and community success.

DEPOTE, VISUAL ARTS FROM THE UNDERGROUND

“DEPOTE” is a brand created by a network of over 30 artists from Bel Air, with the aim of

enhancing the quality and the visibility of art production from the Zone.

“DEPOTE” takes important celebrations in Haiti’s calendar as a guiding thread for its artistic

expression. Examples are Guede (Day of the dead) in November, Carnival in February/March,

Passion Week in April, Bwa Kayman in August etc. Following the Calendar, Depote organizes

the flow of its production along the time line of Haitian society, in dialogue with local

symbolism putting together tools such as music and editing studio, arts atelier, Tattoo studio

and Serigraphy atelier.

Young female and male educators receive technical and professional training with the objective

to become qualified professionals who can multiply and spread with excellence the practices

learned, prepare and produce crafts of good quality, and well represent Haiti and its culture

internationally and nationally.

TEXTILE AND PRINTWORK DESIGN IN KAY NOU

The project works with two basic premises: avoid exploiting the producer or artisan and stop

the destruction of the environment. It is a form of economy based on democracy and people

involvement with a view to improving collective well-being, from hours worked to the

possibility of joint management of a project and the division of earnings through the creation of

micro-enterprises. Viva Rio has already identified potential clients and is willing to provide

technical assistance and assessment on the economic and financial viability of the project.

OBJECTIVES

- Use of Natural Fashion concept which offers the quality of a handmade product, ecologically and socially correct to empower the local workforce

- Generate jobs and income for the local craftsmen/women, initially around 70 people

ACTIVITIES

- Conceptualization and design of printed patterns and screen printing on fabric - Production and commercialization of institutional T-shirts - Production of differentiated T-shirts for commercialization - Design and manufacturing of a variety of clothing targeting local and international (t-

shirts, dresses, shorts, swimwear etc.). - Professional qualification in print work, textile and manufacturing productive chain - Technical assistance in partnership with SOFIDHES for the creation of micro-enterprises

in order to best serve Viva Rio as its first client (includes review of business plan and entrepreneurial skills’ assessment).

IMPACT - Income generation - Level of Excellency and professionalism - Job creation rate among new professionals - Project sustainability through the development of artistic and pedagogical capacity and

work generation - Development of self-esteem and socialization, group work, cooperation, citizenship and

environmental awareness - Number of appearance in the media and improvement of Bel Air positive image

PORTFOLIO