About Thrive NYC
A SPACE TO GATHER, CREATE, AND BREATHE
Thrive in NYC returns with MANY ROOTS, ONE BREATH — a multidisciplinary art experience exploring identity across the diaspora.
Across oceans, borders, languages, and generations, we carry identity in fragments and in fullness.
This year’s exhibition invites artists and community members to reflect on identity as movement:
inherited and chosen, fractured and whole, personal and collective.
Thrive centers how diasporic Indo-Caribbean communities continue to thrive — through resilience, ritual, memory, resistance, softness, and imagination.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Jahajee: Indo-Caribbeans for Gender Justice
A New York–based gender justice organization supporting Indo-Caribbean communities through arts activism, healing, and grassroots organizing to end gender-based violence.
Thrive NYC 2026 Artists
Thrive NYC centers how diasporic Indo-Caribbean communities continue to thrive—through resilience, ritual, memory, resistance, softness, and imagination.
Join us for an immersive afternoon in the Lower East Side featuring:
– 5 independent films + filmmaker Q&A – Bharatanatyam dance
– live music – poets & writers – visual art -food included
Artists Bios
Get to know the artist behind Thrive NYC 2026
Claire-Ania Virgile
An Indo-Martinican photographer and English PhD candidate whose work explores the memory and cultural narratives of Caribbean women of Indian descent.
sangeeta Bahadur
A Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer with over two decades of international training and performance experience.
Ian Harnarine
A Canadian film director and screenwriter known for his award-winning film Doubles with Slight Pepper and contributions to international cinema.
Raqeebah Zaman
A Guyanese-American lens-based and mixed-media artist exploring postcolonial ecologies and dreamscapes through a Caribbean Muslim perspective.
Sarah DeSouza-Coelho
A Guyanese-Canadian actor and creator whose work across film, television, and writing highlights the complexities of Indo-Caribbean identity.
Shaily Dadiala
A Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer whose work explores diaspora, migration, race, and gender through contemporary South Asian movement.
stephie d
A multidisciplinary mixed-media artist whose textured, sensory work explores emotion, imagination, and visual storytelling.
ashley ali
An Indo-Caribbean spiritual counselor and writer whose work bridges healing, justice, and ancestral storytelling for women and community.
Helena Rampersaud
A Bronx-born Guyanese writer and spoken word artist whose work centers on cultural memory, healing, and everyday poetry.
Natisha Bhola
A Guyanese-heritage artist and museum educator whose photography and collage explore identity, heritage, and personal freedom.
Debora Chaitlall
A Guyanese multidisciplinary artist using photography and storytelling to explore identity, migration, and intergenerational memory.
melanie games
An Indo-Guyanese photographer capturing candid, emotive imagery that celebrates the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Guyana.
Miranda Rachel Deebrah
A Guyanese-born writer, actor, and performance artist whose autobiographical work centers on Indo-Caribbean identity, migration, and ancestral legacy.
ashton g
A multilingual vocalist of Guyanese heritage blending Caribbean, R&B, and Indian classical influences into a rich, genre-crossing musical style.
Gabrielle Jamela Hosein
A Caribbean feminist scholar and artist whose work explores Indo-Caribbean feminisms, memory, and post-indenture histories.
BLKSOL
An Indo-Caribbean artist, tarot reader, and spiritualist whose work blends ritual, mythology, and community healing through art and storytelling.
Yazmeen kanji
A film director creating short-form, documentary, and narrative work that brings overlooked stories to life with emotional depth.
Art Festival Schedule
Thrive Toronto was a vibrant three-day event, each day offering something unique.
Day 1
Friday, Nov 28 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Visual Art Exhibit & Short Film Screenings
Day 2
Saturday, Nov 29 | 1:00–5:00 PM
Live Performances, Youth Storytelling Showcase & Community Gathering
Day 3
Sunday, Nov 30 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Lil Art Market
Our Thrive Toronto Artists
In November 2025, Thrive Toronto featured incredible artists — storytellers, performers, and visual creators who brought Indo-Caribbean stories to life through their words, movement, and art.
Partners & Sponsors
Thrive NYC is made possible through the support of community partners and sponsors who believe in the power of storytelling, art, and culture. By joining us, your organization will not only uplift Indo-Caribbean voices but also gain meaningful visibility with a diverse and engaged audience.
As a partner or sponsor, you’ll:
-Support emerging and established artists from the Indo-Caribbean community
-Align your brand with diversity, equity, and cultural celebration
-Receive recognition across Thrive NYC marketing, social media, and at the live event
We offer sponsorship opportunities for every level of commitment — from grassroots supporters to headline partners.
Tickets & Passes
Be part of Thrive NYC 2026 — a full-day celebration of Indo-Caribbean art, storytelling, and community. Choose the ticket/ pass that works best for you:
Ticket Options:
Children (3–12) — $10 (under 2 free)
Student (13–22) — $15
General Admission — $30
Last Chance — $35
Supporter — $50 (supports artists 💛)
Limited to 125 guests
Get Involved
Want to contribute? You can support Thrive NYC by:
Closed Submissions
Secured visual artists, musical artists, theatrical performers, writers, and artisans. Artists will receive a small honorarium.
Artist list is above
Vendor Application
Apply to become a vendor! Email/ DM for more info.
Day of help!
Day of assistance – photography, videography, ticketing, gallery exhibit assistance, and much more! Seeking staff & volunteers!
Contact us
Have questions about tickets, volunteering, or getting involved with Thrive Toronto? Our team is here to help. Reach out anytime — whether you’re an artist, a community member, or a supporter, your voice matters to us.
Email: writegyal@gmail.com