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.
Sylvine Maliko


A dynamic and versatile entrepreneur, Mahaya brings a wealth of experience to the worlds of business and entertainment. Coming from a family with deep jazz and blues roots, she has nurtured a passion for creativity, innovation, and communication. With over two decades of experience, she has honed her expertise in customer service, sales, networking, and business development.
Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her strategic vision and adaptability. She has worked closely with emerging artists, supporting their creative and professional growth while building a vibrant network in the entertainment industry. At the same time, she has navigated the tech sector, particularly in Blockchain, and has invested in tech-focused startups and fashion merchandise ventures, showcasing her innovative mindset and ability to seize growth opportunities.
Passionate about health, wellness, and personal development, Mahaya seamlessly combines her business acumen with a deep commitment to enhancing quality of life. As the owner of a franchise for over six years, she has demonstrated strong business management skills while successfully balancing her roles as both a mother and an entrepreneur.
Resilient and driven, Mahaya embodies excellence in all her ventures, inspiring those around her by shaping the business landscape while prioritizing well-being and success for those she supports.

Aïcha Bastien-N’Diaye, from the Huron-Wendat Nation, was introduced to movement through Guinean traditional dance while growing up in Wendake. Naturally blending her strong cultural influences, her passion for the physicality and expressiveness of dance quickly led her to pursue professional training at L’École de danse de Québec.
Using her voice to inspire her communities, both on social media and on stage, Aïcha sees movement as a powerful tool for change and innovation.
A multidisciplinary artist, she showcased her work "Dance Your Anxiety Away" in an installation by Slow Factory at MoMA PS1 in New York. She has also performed in Émilie Monnet’s play Marguerite, Le Feu. More recently, she opened for Caroline Monnet at the Indigenous Futurism fashion show at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, co-hosted seasons 2 and 3 of Décoloniser l’histoire, a web series produced by Picbois Productions, and co-directed the show YAHWATSIRA’, presented at the Carrefour International de Théâtre.As co-founder and artistic director of Studio Le Feu, she is currently focused on directing and creating visuals within the artistic and commercial industries.

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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