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.

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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.

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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.

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Despite this recognition, she remains driven by the desire to push her own boundaries and reach an even wider audience.

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Tracy Paulotte is a cultural strategist and producer dedicated to transforming Quebec’s creative industries by promoting access, representation, and opportunities.

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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.

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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.

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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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Moridja Kitenge Banza, Chairman of the Board of Culture Montréal and a Canadian artist of Congolese origin born in Kinshasa in 1980, is a graduate of the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Kinshasa, the École des Beaux-Arts de Nantes Métropole and the Université de La Rochelle. Winner of the grand prize at the DAK'ART Biennial in 2010, he was awarded the Prix Sobey in 2020. His work has been presented at the AGO, the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal, the National Gallery of Canada, the Phi Foundation and internationally. His work can be found in many public and corporate collections, including BMO, RBC and TD Bank.