Petrouchka Moïse and Fredo Rivera Awarded $10,000 Grant for Innovative Workshop on Digital Lakous

In an endeavor to bridge technology and cultural heritage, Petrouchka Moïse assistant professor and Cultural & Community-based Digital Curator in the Grinnell College Libraries and Fredo Rivera '06, assistant professor of Art History, have been awarded a generous grant of $10,000 from the Green Family Foundation Trust. This funding will be used to co-sponsor a visionary workshop centered around forming a "digital lakou," an innovative concept that promises to revolutionize the preservation and celebration of Haitian art and culture. 

The grant is a significant milestone for Moïse and Rivera, who are distinguished scholars in the realm of Haitian art and culture. Building upon their NEH Humanities Collections and Reference Resources grant, the duo's project draws inspiration from the concept of lakou, a Haitian Kreyol term that refers to a communal public space within a village or among homes. With this inspiration in mind, they have proposed the creation of a digital lakou – a virtual collective that aims to connect individuals and organizations dedicated to creating and sustaining digital resources focused on Haitian art. 

The heart of this project lies in the upcoming September 2023 workshop, which promises to be a transformative event. Academic and cultural leaders from around the world will gather to participate in this event. With the support of the Green Family Foundation Trust funds, Moïse and Rivera will extend invitations to prominent partners from institutions based in South and Central Florida. The virtual gathering will also feature experts who will present on various aspects of Haitian art and culture, enriching the experience with their insights and expertise. 

This workshop presents a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary engagement, where scholars, artists, and enthusiasts will converge to explore the intersection of technology and cultural heritage. By embracing the concept of a digital lakou, Moïse and Rivera are spearheading a movement that redefines how we perceive, engage with, and contribute to the preservation of cultural identities.