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
Afoali Ngwakum Akisa is a Montreal-based creative mind, storyteller, and founder of 9:16 Stories, a video production company specializing in emotionally resonant, goal-driven narratives. Inspired by her father’s love for capturing family memories, Afoali turned her passion for storytelling into a thriving career, helping businesses and creators cut through the digital noise with content that connects and drives results.
Her work has delivered measurable impact across industries. Afoali’s expertise helped Swab the World raise over $232,000 through social media campaigns, secured $614,000 in funding for Sayaspora’s mission to empower African women, and supported Juno in raising $300,000 to innovate menstrual health solutions. Known for blending creativity and strategy, Afoali ensures that her clients’ stories resonate and inspire action.
In her workshops, Afoali empowers participants to create engaging content that not only captures attention but delivers real results. By sharing practical techniques, creative insights, and actionable strategies, she equips business owners, marketers, and creators with the tools to stand out in today’s crowded content landscape.
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.
Marieme is a host, actress, and singer-songwriter who is never short on ideas. She first made an impression as a VJ on Musique Plus and as the host of 3 filles célibataires on VRAK. Since then, her energy and boundless creativity have propelled her into numerous hosting roles, including Tout inclus (ICI Télé), Le cœur sur le flow (La Fabrique Culturelle), De par chez nous (Unis TV), and Ma première place des arts (MATV). On radio, her voice has resonated on Dutrizac 6@9 (QUB Radio) and La route des 20 (ICI Première).
A committed artist and advocate for diversity and inclusion, Marieme founded Les nouveaux modèles in 2018, an inspiring initiative connecting cultural community figures with elementary and high school students. As a producer at St-Laurent TV, she has contributed to series such as Bon matin Chuck and Les mal-aimants.
With her album Mario, Marieme makes a powerful return with an introspective and unapologetic project blending pop, hip-hop, and R&B, where she embraces her identity and champions a collective awakening for a more inclusive Quebec. Whether in front of the camera or behind the scenes, Marieme embodies energy, passion, and commitment.
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