NEW CULTURAL CENTER MANAGER ANNOUNCES INNOVATIONS

Little Haiti Cultural Complex New Manager, Qunyatta Warren.
Photo Courtesy of Qunyatta Warren.

Qunyatta Warren, the newly appointed Cultural Center Manager at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex (LHCC), shared his vision for the institution and the changes he plans to implement during his tenure. Warren, who is also a musician, assumed the role last August. He indicates that he brings innovations, cultural experience, and a commitment to community engagement.

With a career spanning over two decades as a cultural percussionist and instructor specializing in Haitian, Brazilian, and West African cultures, Qunyatta Warren explained his motivation for taking on the position: “My extensive background in the arts and my passion for celebrating and preserving cultural heritage through the arts made the opportunity to lead the Little Haiti Cultural Complex incredibly exciting.”

Warren’s leadership at the complex announces a new era of cultural celebration and community involvement. He outlined his key objectives, stating, “I envision the Little Haiti Cultural Complex becoming a hub of cultural celebration and community engagement. I plan to bring fresh ideas and developments that will enhance the complex’s offerings while preserving its unique cultural identity.”

One of the LHCC’s primary goals under the new manager is to enhance accessibility to the complex for the community, ensuring inclusivity. He emphasized, “Enhancing accessibility to the complex’s programs and events is a top priority for me. I aim to create an environment where everyone in the community feels welcome and represented.”

In his capacity as an equity and inclusion professional, the Tampa native aims to employ strategies that celebrate diversity and cultivate a sense of belonging. He outlined his approach, saying, “I plan to partner with local organizations and artists from various backgrounds to showcase a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Additionally, I will prioritize programming that highlights the Haitian culture and the African diaspora while also incorporating elements that resonate with different members of the community,” he elaborated. This approach undoubtedly resonates with Warren himself, given his Haitian-African-American heritage.

Acknowledging the unique cultural identity of Little Haiti, Qunyatta emphasized his commitment to preserving it while introducing fresh ideas and influences. He said, “I will engage in ongoing conversations with community members, artists, and leaders to ensure that our programming and events reflect the unique spirit of Little Haiti. By embracing fresh ideas and influences, we can create a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation.”

Warren highlights his history of overseeing cultural arts programs and events as evidence of his creative and innovative approach. “Throughout my career, I have successfully organized and executed a diverse range of cultural arts activities and programs,” he stated. “For example, during my time with Artz 4 Life Academy, I increased community engagement and program enrollment through partnerships with local organizations and arts stakeholders.”

Regarding upcoming programs and initiatives, Warren outlined a variety of offerings to engage the community. “We aim to offer a dynamic calendar of events that resonates with a wide audience, from traditional Haitian dance performances to contemporary art exhibitions,” he revealed. “Additionally, we will be launching community workshops, artist talks, and interactive exhibitions that invite everyone to participate in the arts.”

Lastly, Warren emphasized the significant role of media in promoting cultural awareness and community engagement. “The media can amplify the complex’s activities and messages,” he noted. “By partnering with local media outlets, we can share our stories, events, and initiatives with a wider audience, sparking interest and engagement from both the community and beyond.”

Warren Qunyatta assumed the position of manager at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex four months after the departure of Sandy Dorsainvil in May, which coincided with Haitian Cultural Heritage Month.

Established in Miami in 2006, the Little Haiti Cultural Complex is dedicated to preserving and showcasing Afro-Caribbean cultures. It includes, among other facilities, the Proscenium Theater, the Caribbean Marketplace, dance studios, and an art gallery. The cultural complex is located at 212-260 NE 59th Terrace, Miami, FL 33137.

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