Doha, 08 August 2025

The Embassy of Haiti, in collaboration with the Katara Cultural Village Foundation, recently unveiled a vibrant Haitian mural at Katara Cultural Village, celebrating Cultural Dialogue Through Art'.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Saif Saad Al-Dosari, Deputy General Manager of Katara Cultural Village Foundation; Mohammed Al-Jeddah, Deputy Director of Protocol at Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Madame Roxane Ledan, Commissioner of the Haiti Mural; members of the diplomatic corps; and invited guests.

In his welcoming speech on the occasion, HE François Guillaume II, Ambassador of Haiti, emphasized the symbolic significance of the mural titled 'Cultural Bridge through Art'. He described it as more than just a visual expression, but a conversation between Haiti and Qatar—between heritage and aspiration.

Ambassador Guillaume expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Katara Foundation, especially to its General Manager, Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti, for his steadfast support and leadership in bringing the project to life. He praised the team's dedication, precision, and generosity reflected in every detail of the initiative.

Special thanks were extended to Madame Roxane Ledan, who played a vital role in the project’s realization. Her unwavering commitment to promoting Haitian arts globally was recognized as a driving force behind this cultural milestone. Her partnership, the Ambassador noted, was deeply appreciated by both the Embassy and Katara.

The Ambassador also acknowledged the tireless efforts of the Embassy staff, whose months of preparation ensured the collaboration’s success, and thanked members of the diplomatic community and guests for their strong show of support.

The mural is the work of renowned Haitian artist Olivier Ganthier, known as Oliga—often compared to a modern-day Basquiat. Like Basquiat, Oliga draws deeply from his Haitian roots, channeling ancestral energy through bold graffiti, refined by years of training at Haiti’s National School of Arts (ENARTS). His use of vivid spray paint breathes life into the piece, merging emotion and movement.

Haitian envoy added that more than its aesthetic, the mural stands as a symbol of cultural diplomacy, reflecting UNESCO’s vision of promoting mutual understanding through cultural exchange. As brushstrokes replace barriers, art becomes a bridge—fostering dialogue, preserving heritage, and celebrating diversity, he said.

Haitian envoy from Latin American State in his closing remarks said that as Haiti’s colors blend with Qatari skies, the mural serves as a living testament to shared creativity and international solidarity.