Discover the Founder’s Inspiring Story
We Culture is the brainchild of Gerald Hart, a name synonymous with the vibrant spirit of Caribbean Carnival. Born into a renowned Carnival family in Trinidad, Gerald’s journey began amidst the lively festivities and intricate costumes that defined his upbringing.
His parents, esteemed figures in Trinidad’s Carnival scene, nurtured his passion for this cultural phenomenon, laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong dedication to celebrating and preserving Carnival traditions.
The inspiration behind We Culture can be traced back to Gerald’s parents, Lil and Edmond Hart, pioneering figures in Carnival costume design. Born in 1930, Lil Hart broke barriers as one of the first women to design for commercial mas in Trinidad and Tobago. Her innovative approach to costume design, characterized by bold colors, non-traditional materials, and a focus on body positivity, revolutionized the Carnival scene.
Lil always dreamed of establishing an educational museum where people could learn about the origins and evolution of Carnival. Her vision was to create a space that celebrated the rich history and cultural significance of this vibrant tradition. This dream inspired the creation of We Culture, fulfilling Lil’s legacy by providing a dedicated venue for the education and celebration of Carnival.
Edmond Hart, a stalwart in the Carnival community, co-founded the Hart Carnival band with Lil in 1961. His expertise in organization and production, coupled with Lil’s creative designs, led the band to win numerous accolades, including the prestigious Band of the Year titles with “Playing Cards” (1966), “Inferno” (1970), “Mas Sweet Mas” (1983), “Islands in the Sun” (1986), and “Out of this World” (1988). In 1973, Edmond was awarded the Humming Bird Medal Gold for his contributions to Carnival development. His leadership and innovative spirit left a lasting legacy that continues to influence Carnival celebrations today
Gerald’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to the arts. From a young age, he immersed himself in costume design, eventually leading teams to create thousands of costumes for his parents’ annual Carnival band. After his mother’s passing in 1991, Gerald, along with his siblings, launched their own band, TOTAL RECALL, paying homage to their parents’ legacy while introducing modernized costume designs.
Over the years, Gerald’s work has transcended the Caribbean, with his designs gracing Carnivals in Grenada, St. Lucia, Anguilla, Jamaica, Aruba, Curacao, and even reaching as far as Australia, Germany, Brazil, Japan, and China. His creations have earned accolades at prestigious events, including the Miss Universe Pageant, where his costumes have repeatedly won international recognition.
Gerald’s talents extend beyond costume design. He is a self-taught artist who has explored various forms of art, including photography, videography, painting, graphic design, web design, and sculpture. His diverse artistic endeavors are a cornerstone of We Culture, reflecting his innovative spirit and commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of Caribbean art and culture.
Gerald’s journey into the international spotlight began with his design for Margot Bourgeois, the representative for Trinidad and Tobago at the Miss Universe Pageant. His stunning creation helped her secure the position of second runner-up, showcasing his talent on a global stage.
The following year, Gerald designed the iconic costume for Wendy Fitzwilliam, which won the award for Best International Costume. This remarkable design contributed to Wendy’s overall victory, making her the second Miss Universe from Trinidad and Tobago. Gerald’s work was celebrated for its innovative and captivating aesthetics.
Continuing his success, Gerald designed another award-winning costume for Nicole Dyer. This design also won Best International Costume, solidifying his reputation as a premier costume designer.
Gerald’s expertise was sought after by international contestants, including Mpule Kwelagobe, Miss Universe Botswana, and Lara Dutta, Miss Universe India. His costumes for these contestants were praised for their elegance and cultural representation.
Gerald’s creativity extended beyond pageants. In 2005, he was commissioned to design and produce costumes for the grand opening of the 40/40 Club in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Co-owned by hip-hop mogul Jay-Z, the event featured Gerald’s spectacular designs, marking a significant milestone in his career.
In 2009, Gerald had the opportunity to photograph Brittany McKey Sullivan, the winner of Cycle 11 of America’s Next Top Model, during Trinidad’s Fashion Week. McKey posed in several of Gerald’s costume designs, and this collaboration highlighted his skills in both design and photography.
We Culture stands as the world’s first Caribbean Carnival experience and museum, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the vibrant traditions of Carnival. Through immersive exhibits, stunning costume displays, and interactive experiences, visitors are invited to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Caribbean Carnival.
At its core, We Culture is a tribute to the Harts family’s enduring legacy and their unwavering dedication to the art of Carnival. It is a place where tradition meets innovation, offering a unique and captivating journey into the heart of Caribbean culture.
Join us at We Culture and experience the magic, creativity, and vibrancy of Caribbean Carnival like never before.
