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Art Matènwa:

MISSION:

THE MISSION OF ART MATÈNWA IS TO FOSTER THE ARTISTS’ DETERMINATION TO SURVIVE CREATIVELY - THROUGH ART, EDUCATION AND ECONOMIC SECURITY.

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Art Matènwa is a long-time collaboration between Cape Cod and Matènwa artists, teachers and students. 

Our commitment is:

  1. Support an artistic/economic development project for Matènwa women and mothers.

  2. Facilitate a cultural exchange between students and teachers at Nauset Regional High School and the Matènwa community, now in its 16th year.

  3. Contribute to village improvement projects such as home and road repair, food gardens, and protection against domestic violence for women and children.

Together we experience and learn from the global conditions and variables that directly affect the art center's economic success.  We learn to think beyond the immediate toward the balancing of a future that sustains their business as well as their message.

OUR PROMISE IS TO KEEP WORKING TOGETHER TO CREATE A STABLE ECONOMIC GROUND.

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This has been for all of us, a mutual learning curve. What started out as a modest experiment by a handful of American and Haitian women has opened doors to expansion, ideas, and challenges none of us could ever have foreseen. Life for the artists and their families has changed for the better. They are proud of their creative skills as well as their ability to keep their families healthy and their children in school. 

The artists as a group have become a confident, respected voice in the community. They participate in town-wide decisions. Some volunteer to make free meals for children at the school. Recently they’ve developed public performances addressing issues from condom use to domestic abuse.

After the earthquake of 2010, the artists banded together to rebuild their damaged homes with donations from friends and fans on Cape Cod. The project helped build or repair 42 homes, employing local masons, drivers, and metalworkers and reaching far into neighboring communities.

How to learn more:

To learn more about the amazing Haitian women artists and the incredible artwork they make and sell please check out the website by clicking on the picture below to be redirected to their website.

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