About Us
The International Reggae Afro Latin Music & Arts Festival (IRAL) is a Manitoba-based non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, development, and celebration of Afro-Caribbean and Latin culture through the arts.
IRAL serves as a cultural platform and development hub for underrepresented artists, creatives, and communities, providing opportunities for expression, growth, and professional advancement regardless of experience level. Through year-round programming, community initiatives, and public cultural events, IRAL works to break down barriers to access in the arts while fostering inclusion, identity, and cultural pride.
Rooted in community, IRAL creates spaces where individuals can connect, learn, and experience culture on a deeper level, while recognizing and elevating the artists whose work shapes and sustains these traditions.
The organization was founded following a 2019 tour by Neville Hamilton and collaborators, where a clear gap was identified in the representation and support of Afro-Caribbean and Latin artists within Manitoba’s cultural landscape. IRAL was established to help close that gap by building meaningful pathways for artists to be seen, supported, and celebrated.
Mission
To preserve, promote, and advance Afro-Caribbean and Latin culture through arts, education, and community engagement, while creating accessible pathways for artists and creatives to develop, showcase their work, and build sustainable careers.
Objectives
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Support Artistic Development:
Provide mentorship, training, and performance opportunities for emerging and established artists through initiatives such as IRAL Creatives. -
Promote Cultural Preservation & Education:
Share and celebrate Afro-Caribbean and Latin traditions, music, and artistic expressions with communities across Manitoba. -
Break Barriers to Access:
Create inclusive and supportive spaces for underrepresented artists to develop their skills and gain professional exposure. -
Foster Community & Connection:
Encourage intercultural understanding, collaboration, and unity through arts-based programming and cultural initiatives. -
Create Sustainable Opportunities:
Develop platforms that allow artists and creatives to build careers and contribute to the cultural economy. -
Present Cultural Showcases & Events:
Produce public events, including festivals and community gatherings, that highlight the richness and diversity of the cultures we represent.
