WHO WE ARE
OUR STORY
MISSION & VISION
PURPOSE, PROSPECT & VALUES
OUR STORY
CARIBANA IS A CELEBRATION OF EMANCIPATION
Celebrating Freedom Is We Ting
Caribana Arts Group is comprised of volunteers and professionals who are championing the celebration of Caribbean Arts & Culture and Freedom. In 2021, Emancipation Day was nationally recognized and celebrated as a federal holiday in Canada for the first time in its history. Caribana, a cultural gift from the Caribbean-Canadian community to the nation on Canada’s 100th anniversary, has been a leading symbol of Emancipation traditions in Canada since its inception in 1967.
As the founding organization of the festival Caribana, and as the custodians of its history and legacy, our team is dedicated to supporting the education, preservation and growth of carnival arts and the Caribbean artistry developed out of the struggle for human rights and black liberation.
Carnival is a colourful and eclectic celebration of culture, heritage and tradition deeply connected to the abolition of slavery. In recognizing the cultural and historical significance of this milestone, Caribana Arts Group continues to celebrate freedom through the arts and work towards the advancement of the Caribbean and Black communities in Canada.
MISSION & VISION
MISSION:
Our mission is to promote, develop and collaboratively showcase the full richness of Caribbean arts and culture
VISION:
To be the leading organization facilitating the advancement of Caribbean and Black communities in Canada
OUR WORKING MISSION:
To achieve the highest artistic standards and professionalism in the presentation of the multiple disciplines of the carnival arts of the Caribbean and the Americas through comprehensive educational and development programs.
OUR MANDATE:
Two of the original objectives of the founders were to first, create a scholarship fund for our youth and second, to build a Cultural Centre. The Caribana Arts Group is redefining these objectives, among others, as priorities for the organization and for community development.
PURPOSE, PROSPECT & VALUES
Established in 1967, Caribana Arts Group is a symbolic community-interest organization dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and developing Caribbean arts and culture in its full diversity through music, dance, theatre, culinary, fine arts and crafts, steelpan and the art of Carnival masquerade.
We are writing the next chapter of our history at Caribana Arts Group. Just as the principles of Sankofa provide guidance and empowerment, our joint Purpose, Prospect, and Values, serve as the organization’s ‘North Star’, symbolizing freedom, inspiration and promise as we carry out our collective course.
Community Benefit, Culture and Caribbean Unity are at the center of everything we do. Our commitment is to the growth of the festival arts, Caribbean & Black Communities and to building a culture of Caribbean Unity.
OUR PURPOSE
MANY VOICES, ONE CARIBANA
We are Artistes
We are Mas Makers
We are Calypsonians
We are Pan Players
We are Performing Art
We are Caribana
We are the many voices and hands of the Caribbean community that helped to build a world-class festival, the economic growth of Toronto and multiculturalism in the nation. Now in its 55th year, the Caribbean community’s contribution to Canada remains a living legacy still rooted in heritage, volunteerism, and a profound love of the culture.
Caribana Arts Group understands and believes that it is essential to carry out responsible stakeholder engagement and advocacy to promote Caribbean Culture, Excellence in Carnival Arts and Community Upliftment. – This is our Purpose.
PROSPECT
ONE CARIBBEAN, ONE CARIBANA
We are Culture
We are Community
We are Carnival Arts
We stand for Caribbean Unity
We are Caribana
Our belief in fulfilling our objectives is a solid declaration of what we aspire to do. It is our call to action as a talented and vibrant community to come together in unity, in committing ourselves to the concept of growth, sustainability and ensuring development that meets the needs of the community and preserves the culture for future generations. Unlocking the power in Caribbean Unity, – This is our Prospect.
OUR VALUES
ONE COMMUNITY, ONE CARIBANA
Caribana is more than a festival. It embodies the Caribbean Community of Toronto and is also a symbol of the significant contributions that Caribbean & Black communities have made to build and evolve in Canada. Caribana is a reflection of the resilience of our people and our heritage born out of slavery and colonialism. It’s a Caribbean Remembrance Day, where our moment of silence overflows into the streets in creative expression all in memory of the struggles endured, the trials at present and yet to come. A teaching tool for the young and a tribute to those lost in the fight for freedom. Emancipation. Black Liberation. Caribana.
We stand for Culture, We stand for CommUNITY, We stand in our name, Caribana.
