UNI:
UNI: An artist collective celebrating Haitian arts and culture in New York, held on May 18th, Haitian Flag Day. UNI was created by Haitian dancer Sanford Placide with the support of the Hatian Consul General in New York, Mr. Gandy Thomas as a means to showcase up and coming artists in a celebration of cultural inclusion and identity.
UNI COVID-19 UPDATE:
Dear UNI friends and family,
During this time of social distancing and in an effort to curtail the rapid spread of COVID-19, the UNI team has made the decision to postpone UNI 2020 until further notice.
Though these unprecedented times may have affected our preparations for this year’s event, our mission remains unchanged and we invite you to stay tuned for updates through our social media channels and on our website.
UNI cares about the health and well-being of our patrons, artists and volunteers. As responsible citizens of the global community, we encourage you to take the necessary steps to contain the spread of the virus.
Thank you for your continued support. Be safe and stay healthy!
Sanford Placide & The UNI Team
UNI
A Letter From The Creator:
Growing up in Haiti, I remember May 18, Haitian Flag Day, as the one day where the entire country came together to celebrate Haitian history, culture, and our identity as a nation. The streets were decorated in a multitude of vibrant colors, while people danced, sang, and interpreted scenes from popular folk tales. Now, as a young dancer living in a new country, it is these memories that keep me connected to my heritage and inspire me.
Mindful of the large population of Haitians in New York, I wanted to find a way to bring the community together and create a platform that highlights emerging artists. With the support of the Consul General of Haiti in New York, I created UNI.
UNI premiered on the evening of May 18, 2018 in the presence of government officials, friends, and family. The event brought together artists from different cultural backgrounds, and was a resounding success.
It is my hope that UNI will serve to inspire the next generation of artists, and provide a platform that allows them to celebrate their art, and tackle issues related to cultural identity.
Sanford Placide
Creator of UNI
