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Raíces History The Raíces Cultural Center came about as a result of the under-representation of Caribbean culture and art in Central New Jersey. The Center's genesis began as part of an after school program in one of New Brunswick's public schools. When the program was terminated at the end of June 2008, directors Nicole Wines and Francisco G. Gómez decided to create a place where New Brunswick's inner city kids could continue to learn and cultivate Caribbean music, art, dance and song. Upon incorporation, the focus of the center shifted to a mix of programs and activities, including the Raícitas Youth Program, the Raíces Cultural Exchange, a Cultural Archive and the Raíces Performance Ensemble. In 2009, the Raíces Cultural Center began a cultural journey around the Caribbean. Through the generous contributions of a grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission, the Center had the wonderful experience of producing a three part series called "Los Vejigantes de Puerto Rico". The Hispanic-afro cultural traditions of Puerto Rico were presented in music, song and dance to the citizens of New Brunswick, N.J. and the surrounding areas through performances, school assemblies, classes and our first cultural exchange fact finding trip to Puerto Rico. The beginning of 2010 has brought an expansion to Raíces programming. The center received a second grant from the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission to produce the series The Spirit of Afro-Cuban Dance, Song and Drum. Dance and music classes have expanded to two locations in New Brunswick and Perth Amboy. Photography from the Raíces Cultural Archive was featured in the South Brunswick Arts Commission's 2010 exhibition "NJ Has It All". Raíces continues to collaborate on projects and events with other local arts and community organizations such as Albus Cavus, Verbal Mayhem, Family Arts Movement, the Hub City Teen Center and the Community Arts Mural Project. The Raíces Ensemble performs in schools, universities, churches, community and cultural events, and festivals. |
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