Thrive NYC - May 4, 2025
Thrive Art Exhibit: An Immersive Cultural Experience
Thrive NYC was a sold-out, highly anticipated art and storytelling experience that honored Indo-Caribbean histories through performance, visual art, and community connection. Held in Brooklyn on the eve of Guyana's Indian Arrival Day, the inaugural exhibit brought together a vibrant mix of artists, performers, and storytellers for a multi-sensory tribute to resilience, memory, and creativity.
With overwhelming positive feedback from attendees, Thrive was more than an event—it was a space for reflection, celebration, and cultural affirmation. From powerful spoken word and captivating performances to intimate visual pieces, Thrive held space for truth, beauty, and belonging.
This grassroots, community-powered project was self-funded with deep heart and hustle—and made possible by the generous contributions of volunteers, artists, and allies who believe in the power of storytelling and shared history.
We’re just getting started. Thrive will return to new cities in the coming seasons—Toronto (Fall 2025) and Central Florida (Spring 2026)—as we continue to grow the vision and plant roots across the diaspora.
Artists & Bios
Shabana Sharif, writer, creator & producer of Thrive Art Exhibit @writegyal / @thriveartexhibit / shabanasharif.com Shabana writes for those who are often unseen on the page. Shabana is the Visionary Creator of the Thrive Art Exhibit, amplifying Indo-Caribbean artists in New York City and Toronto.
Ashton G, singer @ashtongmusic Ashton G's unique style embodies Caribbean/R&B/Indian Music.
Nazrina Rodjan, visual artist @nazrinarodjan Nazrina Rodjan is a queer Surinamese-Dutch visual artist of Hindostani descent.
Nanda Reddy, writer and visual artist @nandareddyauthor Nanda Reddy is a writer and visual artist.
Shivane Chandool, artist @shivanec_ Shivane leads Indo-Caribbean Beauty's artistic vision.
Chelsea Lawrence, photographer @chelsflics_23 Chelsea Lawrence is a 17-year-old Black photographer.
Jeanette Manmohan, interdisciplinary artist @jeanettemanmohanart Jeanette Manmohan is an interdisciplinary artist living in Queens, New York.
Helena Rampersaud, storyteller & spoken word artist @helenarampersaud Helena Rampersaud is a proud Guyanese Bronx girl and poet.
Jasmin Nessa Ali, fashion designer @nessa.thebrand Jasmin Nessa Ali is a Guyanese fashion designer.
Sophia Stoll, visual artist @xxzenithanarchyxx Sophia is a non-binary bi-racial New Yorker artist.
Karen Sonilal, artist @kay_sonilal Karen Sonilal is an Indo-Trinidadian artist, writer and dancer.
Alec Kissoondyal, writer @alec_kissoondyal Alec Kissoondyal is a writer and an MFA Fiction candidate.
Melanie Manickchand-Tringali, photographer @browngyal_mel Melanie enjoys capturing the beauty of scenery and candid shots.
Neha Savant, poet @nehasavant Neha is a dancer, writer, urban wildlife ecologist, and settler.
Fatima Shabbir, visual artist @iamfatshab @browngirlrevolt Fatima Shabbir (she/her) is a cultural worker, artist, curator and believer in art accessibility.
Miranda Rachel Deebrah, multidisciplinary performance artist @mira_baii Miranda Rachel Deebrah is a Guyanese-born artist whose works combine art and activism.
Taij Kumarie Moteelall, multidisciplinary artist @jahajeesrising Taij Kumarie Moteelall is a visionary storyteller, creative entrepreneur, and cultural strategist committed to transformation, solidarity and world-building.