Children's Hope Chest of Dreams, INC

Artists Institute is the only film and Audio engineering technical school in Haiti. As someone who champions Black global cinema, I have seen firsthand how the Artists Institute has changed the lives of many over the years. In turn, former students are currently 99% of the current leadership. They are holding onto this space. We are going to ensure that this creative hub flourishes. Artists to Artists - hand in hand (men nan men). Will you join us in this movement?

Artists Institute was a gift given to Haiti by its founders, David Belle, Paula Hyppolite & the countless artists who came in to participate in this project back when they just started as a film festival in 2004. After the 2010 Earthquake, Hollywood Actor Ben Stiller's foundation helped to purchase one side of the land for the film school and just a few years later, the WE ARE THE WORLD FOUNDATION under the leadership of Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie helped to purchase the audio division of the school. These artists gave their time and effort! The founders gave it all they got and passed down the baton to the former Haitian students with others helping to lead the way.

At the end of 2022, these staff members, wanted new energy and fresh ideas asking me to help lead this ship.

While I could never fill anyone's shoes, my shiny shoes are ready to work. But I won’t be able to dance by myself. Generous donations from around the world have always supported this organization. Artists Institute has also partnered with many people and organizations around the world. So, I will be counting on everyone to root for us by donating to our new Gofundme campaign.

Our Gofundme campaign will help us to sustain our monthly overhead by upgrading our security measures, keeping up with the rising cost of fuel to keep our generators going and be able to provide a space for the entire creative community in Jacmel.

This fund is part of a larger fundraising effort that will keep things afloat while we find partners to help us reopen our school, create professional programs for the creative community in Haiti, develop international Artists Residency programs and develop content to begin growing a strong film and music industry.

So as an Artist. As a lover of music, film and Haiti this is a call to action for all of us. FePouLi.org (Children's Hope Chest of Dreams, Inc) is our legal American non-profit that is managing this campaign.

Thanks for your support. The best is yet to come!

Executive Director Artists Institute Haiti

Rachelle Salnave