Why Haitian Art Must Be Protected

Art is more than paint on canvas or the careful carving of wood. It is the heartbeat of a people, the visual memory of a culture, and a vessel of stories passed from generation to generation. As political instability and escalating violence plague the country, Haitian art faces a quiet, urgent threat. Preserving this heritage is not just a cultural duty—it is a moral imperative.

In recent months, the capital city of Port-au-Prince has descended deeper into crisis. Armed gangs have seized control of neighborhoods, spreading fear and destruction. Amidst this chaos, Le Centre d’Art, one of the Caribbean’s oldest and most vital cultural institutions, found itself under siege. Founded in 1944, Le Centre has long served as a sanctuary for Haiti’s artists and the 6,000 pieces of artwork and 3,600 historical documents it houses. With the area increasingly controlled by violent groups, the future of this collection was in jeopardy. In a courageous two-day operation, authorities managed to relocate the bulk of the collection to safety—but the threat remains, and with it, the reminder of just how fragile cultural preservation can be in times of conflict.

It is in this context that we must underscore the urgent need to protect Haitian art both within the country and across the diaspora. Museums, private collectors, and cultural institutions abroad play a vital role in safeguarding Haitian heritage during these turbulent times. Art cannot be separated from the people and history it represents, and preserving it is a profound act of solidarity and hope.

I have had the privilege of contributing to this mission through donations to the Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC), an institution dedicated to showcasing the rich cultural legacy of Haiti. On June 25, 2024, I donated an acrylic painting by the artist Benette to HAMOC. This untitled work, now part of the museum’s Daily Life Collection, beautifully captures Haitian women engaged in daily labor—an homage to the strength, dignity, and communal spirit that define Haitian society.

Later that year, on December 23, I was honored to continue this journey by donating two hand-carved wooden pieces. One, a set of traditional bowls and a serving spoon, showcases the resourcefulness and artistic skill embedded in Haitian domestic life. The other, a 20-inch tall wooden vase—a practical object transformed into a symbol of artistic pride. These objects, deeply symbolic, now reside at HAMOC, reinforcing the museum’s mission to amplify Haitian voices and safeguard their stories for future generations.

Yet our efforts must not stop with individual acts of preservation. What is needed is a global cultural mobilization—a recognition that art is a world treasure, deserving of protection, documentation, and celebration. When we protect Haitian art, we do more than shield paintings or sculptures from harm—we protect a people’s identity, their memory, and their place in the story of humanity.

To allow Haitian art to vanish would be to allow the erasure of centuries of resilience, resistance, and beauty. It would be to silence the voices of countless artists who, through brushes, chisels, and colors, have told the world that Haiti is more than the sum of its struggles. It is a beacon of creativity, strength, and pride.

Let this moment be a call to action. The time to act is now. Haitian art must be protected.

Dr. Justin D. Bibee is the founder and director of the Museum of Fine Tribal Art based in Providence, Rhode Island.