Diane Gistal is a cultural producer and independent curator of Haitian-French descent, recognized for her dedication to promoting Afro-descendant and African artistic creation. As the founder and director of Nigra Iuventa, she works to amplify the practices of visual artists from these communities. With expertise in diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as extensive experience in cultural project management, Diane is a committed leader in Quebec’s cultural sector.Her career has led her to collaborate with prestigious institutions such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Phi Foundation, the Goethe-Institut, The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Le Livart, and the UNESCO Chair DCMET. Her curatorial practice—at the crossroads of visual arts, literature, and the humanities—delves into the literary, visual, and cinematic representations of the Black Atlantic.
Diane Gistal
Ian "Wizzy MoonChaser" Thomas, born and raised in Montreal's Côte-des-Neiges neighborhood, is a dynamic radio host, entrepreneur and community advocate. Raised by a single mother, Wizzy became involved in theater, basketball and short story writing at an early age. Although trained to become a pastor, he eventually chose to study psychology in CEGEP before turning to the world of radio.
Known for his boundless energy, passion and outspokenness, Wizzy quickly established himself on the Montreal radio scene. While attending Cégep Champlain St-Lambert, he joined the radio club and began hosting his own show every Friday. Today, he co-hosts The Morning Detour on CKUT, Montreal's first urban morning show, where his creativity and enthusiasm shine every day.
Defining himself as an artist, Wizzy is inspired by his godfather and Kanye West. His passion for storytelling and creating connections through conversation is at the heart of his work. His ultimate goal? To become Canada's number-one urban radio host.
In addition to his radio career, Wizzy has collaborated with brands such as Nike, NBA Canada and the City of Montreal, as well as mentoring programs such as Soars and The Crown Project. He has hosted numerous events, panels and interviews with influential personalities - from NBA champions to renowned chefs - while remaining deeply rooted in Montreal's urban culture.
Sylvine, better known as The Artiiist, of Central African origin, was born in France and has now been living in Canada for 12 years. From an early age, art has always played a central role in her life: singing, dancing and then painting. This passion has gradually turned into a real career: she is the founder of Smard Art.
It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Sylvine launched her artistic enterprise: Smard Art. Her talent and vision quickly attracted attention, propelling her work onto the international scene. This dazzling success has enabled her to make a living from her art and develop her business internationally, although she still harbors even greater ambitions.
Through her work, she celebrates the identity, culture and beauty of black people, themes that are close to her heart. Combining traditional and digital art, she draws her inspiration from realism, which she considers a form of expression of great intensity, while exploring mixed media techniques and abstraction.
Despite this recognition, she remains driven by the desire to push her own boundaries and reach an even wider audience.
Tracy Paulotte is a cultural strategist and producer dedicated to transforming Quebec’s creative industries by promoting access, representation, and opportunities.
With nearly eight years of experience, she designs and leads programs, panels, and events that offer tailored training, mentorship, and increased visibility within the industry. Her background spans commercial, web, and television production, with key roles in projects such as La Nuit où Laurier Gaudreault s’est réveillé by Xavier Dolan, Le Beau Chaos on Télé-Québec, and Les Rendez-Vous de Nolie on Natyf TV.
Certified in production management (INIS), independent production (Main Film), and human resources management (UQAM), Tracy combines creative vision and strategic leadership to deliver high-impact projects. She also leads workshops for audiences aged 8 to 50, raising awareness about the importance of accessibility and representation in behind-the-camera roles.
As the head of programs at the Dynastie Foundation, Tracy designs and implements initiatives that highlight Black talent in the arts, media, and culture, creating sustainable professional opportunities — from creative roles to leadership positions — one project at a time.
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