The Virginia Caribbean-American Cultural Association Inc. (VCACA) is making a difference in the Greater Hampton Roads area by bringing world-class Caribbean artistry, building our neighborhoods’ appreciation for the arts and creating a legacy for our communities. Simply put, this organization is building a "bridge between cultures" that will foster mutual knowledge and understanding critical to heed the national call toward healing and reconciliation among races and nationalities. VCACA’s programs significantly expand the arts experience by providing a catalyst for all Virginians’ own creative projects, to help energize arts activities in local communities, and be a springboard to dialogue and shared experiences for groups who live vastly different lives in different parts of the state.
VCACA is a community-based, traditional, performing cultural art, non-profit 501(c)3 organization. The organization is dedicated to promoting the arts and culture of the Caribbean in Virginia, particularly the Hampton Roads area. The organization focuses on five disciplines: traditional arts, education, music, literary arts and theater. According to its founder and President, Michael Forde, “we are committed to educating and developing our communities, particularly our youth, through effective outreach programs that broaden cultural experiences, awareness and enrichment of people of all ethnicities and origins.” VCACA promotes activities that encourages increased participation in Caribbean arts and serves as a channel of communication for its membership and others.
VCACA has come a long way since it was an intriguing notion created a little over three years ago. The successes of the organization are the result of hard work, ardent commitment and vision of its members. During its brief history, VCACA has enriched the lives of thousands of people through its commitment to offering rewarding artistic experiences to Southeastern Virginians and the larger community. It seems appropriate that their motto “Together We Achieve” is anything but businesslike.
|
 |
On 15 July 2006, VCACA debut their signature event “CaribFest” a Caribbean carnival in downtown Norfolk. The CaribFest festival is designed to engage wide audience participation and attract attendees from across the US and Caribbean. It is a celebration of authentic Caribbean culture and heritage, while providing a forum for education, community togetherness, and civic pride. CaribFest showcases a kaleidoscopic of colorful Masquerade categories, along with the energetic and rhythmic sounds of the steel drum orchestra and disc jockeys. The festival also features multicultural performances by renowned Caribbean musicians (Reggae, Calypso, Salsa, etc.) and folklore artists.
Virginia CaribFest is now one of the fastest growing festivals in Virginia. To date, many of the participating groups have been local to the Virginia Hampton Roads Area, like reggae recording artist Ever G and one of Trinidad & Tobago’s top Soca artist Sherwyn Winchester with the band Traffik.
CaribFest is a high quality international festival, what we call “Carnival” with significant cultural importance to attract visitors to Norfolk from key tourism markets around the world. Innovation, creativity and enterprise are unique points of this exciting new International Festival. The festival aims to secure Norfolk’s reputation as a vibrant cultural city and will enhance the city’s regeneration schemes in bringing quality of life improvements to local residents.
Additionally, VCACA offers a variety of programs that serve low-income community residents of every age and background in the Hampton Roads area. Within the last year, they have sponsored and provided numerous charitable services:
- Provided school supplies to Boys and Girls Club and students at Elementary Schools in Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach and Suffolk areas
- Participated in cultural activities at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, E.W Chittum Elementary School in Chesapeake, and Norfolk Public library
- Participated in Hampton International Children's Festival
- Donated funds to Old Dominion University’s Boys of Sudan program
- Distributed Winter Coats to kids at the Samaritan House and provided Thanksgiving Baskets to several less fortunate community residents
- Provided college Scholarships to second year students with financial need
Their Goals are to:
- Deliver quality community-based service through educational, cultural, and social service programs
- Make “CaribFest” a viable State cultural enterprise
- Develop and implement marketing strategies for revenue earning potential from CaribFest to further their contribution to our communities, and
- Develop alliances and partnerships with other organizations
We look forward to many great things from this multicultural organization in years to come. This year CaribFest is scheduled for 18-19 July, 2008…so mark your calendar!
building a "bridge between cultures" that will foster mutual knowledge and understanding
|
|
|
