Caribbean Roots: Arts & Culture Education Program

Caribbean Roots: Arts & Culture Education Program is a community-driven initiative designed to celebrate, preserve, and share Caribbean arts and culture within Calgary. The program offers interactive workshops in music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts, giving participants—particularly youth, newcomers, and underserved community members—an opportunity to connect with Caribbean heritage in a hands-on, engaging way.

A key component of the program is our “Pay It Forward” model: participants who complete workshops are encouraged to teach what they’ve learned to others in schools, community centers, or virtually through digital tutorials. This approach not only reinforces their own learning but also spreads Caribbean culture throughout the broader Calgary community, creating a ripple effect of knowledge, creativity, and community engagement.

Through partnerships with local schools, cultural organizations, and community centers, the program provides a safe, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment. Participants gain practical skills, build confidence, and strengthen leadership abilities, while the broader community benefits from increased cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation.

The program also culminates in a community showcase, where participants present performances, art pieces, and storytelling sessions, highlighting their growth and the cultural knowledge they’ve shared. By combining education, mentorship, and community engagement, Caribbean Roots: Arts & Culture Education Program fosters cultural pride, social cohesion, and intergenerational connection, ensuring that Caribbean arts and heritage remain vibrant and accessible for all in Calgary.

Caribbean Roots: Arts & Culture Education Program is designed to benefit a wide range of community members, with a particular focus on youth, newcomers, and underserved populations in Calgary.

Primary beneficiaries include: Youth (ages 8–25): Participants gain hands-on experience in Caribbean music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts, fostering creativity, confidence, and leadership skills. By engaging in cultural activities, youth develop a sense of identity and pride while learning to share their knowledge with peers through the program’s pay-it-forward model.

Newcomers and immigrant families: The program provides an accessible and welcoming space for newcomers to connect with Caribbean heritage and Canadian community life. It supports social integration, cultural understanding, and intergenerational bonding, helping newcomers feel valued and connected.

Underserved and marginalized community members: Those with limited access to arts programming, cultural education, or mentorship benefit from workshops, mentorship opportunities, and community showcases. The program ensures equitable access to cultural experiences that might otherwise be unavailable.

Secondary beneficiaries include: Schools and community organizations through partnerships, the program extends Caribbean arts education into classrooms and community spaces, enriching existing programs and promoting cultural awareness.

The broader Calgary community: By attending showcases, performances, and exhibitions, the wider public experiences Caribbean arts and culture, fostering understanding, appreciation, and stronger community connections across diverse groups.

Overall, the program benefits participants both personally and socially, while creating a ripple effect as learners share their skills with others. This cultivates a vibrant, inclusive, and culturally aware Calgary community, where Caribbean heritage is celebrated and passed on for generations to come.