Curious about our Afro-Diasporic Ocean Festival? You can watch our recaps here and here.

The inaugural Afro-Diasporic Ocean Festival, co-produced by LiberArte Inc., lit up Rockaway Beach on September 1, 2024, in a celebration of Afro-Diasporic culture, music, and community connection. With over 1,000 attendees from Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and beyond. This lively event brought people together to celebrate the joy of community and the vital role of preserving culture.

The festival showcased the power of the arts to unite diverse communities, featuring dynamic performances, meaningful partnerships, and community engagement. The festival’s wins can be celebrated in multiple dimensions:

Cultural Highlights

• Tambacum’s U.S. Debut: The traditional Afro-Colombian ensemble from Nuquí, Chocó, brought their soul-stirring music to the United States for the first time, headlining the festival with performances that captivated the audience.
• Local and International Artists and Workshops: Complementing Tambacum’s performance were the incredible energy of the Afro-Brazilian capoeira group Grupo Capoeira Angola Do Acupe; Afro-Caribbean award-winning poet, educator, author, and cultural programmer Adriana Devers; and spoken-word artist and author Jessica Payes who MCed our festival; and the ocean conservation workshop with whale sounds recorded by R&E Ocean Community Conservation, blending international and local talent for a cross-cultural experience.

Community Impact

• Over 1,000 Attendees: The event reached a wide and diverse audience, drawing individuals from all over New York, with a guest coming from North Carolina, emphasizing its community-centered approach.
• Engagement Activities: Attendees participated in a raffle, enjoyed empanadas, got their exclusive Tambacum merch, and connected with community organizations like Laru Beya Collective and the Afrolatin@ Forum.

Organizational Achievements

• Strong Partnerships: Collaborations with community organizations boosted event outreach and participation, including logistical and promotional support.
• Sustainability Goals: The festival highlighted the vital connection between cultural expression and environmental stewardship, linking themes of heritage and the ocean’s significance to Afro-Diasporic communities.

You can watch our Afro-Diasporic Ocean Festival recap videos here and here.

We can't wait for our next festival! Stay tuned for updates!

Photo Credits: Ricardo Botero (@ricardo_botero28)