We were lucky to catch up with Sidney-Max Etienne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sidney-Max, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

As an artist, my canvas has shifted from photographic film to the very soil of Haiti, with plants and ecosystems becoming the subjects of my most meaningful project yet. One story that encapsulates this journey took place in the early days of Grown in Haiti. We embarked on a mission to transform a barren plot of land, once stripped of its natural beauty and potential by years of deforestation and neglect.

Seeing the land in its depleted state, I realized the power of restoration not just as an ecological act but as an artistic endeavor. Each tree planted was like a stroke of paint on a vast canvas, each garden a composition in colors and textures, and every community workshop a collaborative piece, co-created with local hands.

The turning point came a few years into the project when what was once a desolate space had flourished into a vibrant agroforestry system. Returning to the site, I was struck by the transformation. Birds that hadn’t been seen in years were nesting in the newly grown trees, the soil was rich and full of life, and the community was harvesting food that they had helped to grow.

In that moment, I saw the true essence of artistry—creating change, evoking emotions, and leaving a lasting impact. This project, Grown in Haiti, has become my most meaningful work, merging creativity with purpose to not only envision but manifest a greener future for Haiti. It’s a testament to how art can transcend traditional mediums, fostering life and hope in its wake.

Sidney-Max, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Born from a deep connection to the Haitian landscape and a fervent belief in the transformative power of nature, my journey into the world of environmental restoration and community empowerment wasn’t traditional. Once a photographer, I captured stories through the lens, but I always felt a profound pull towards directly impacting the narratives I was documenting. This calling led me back to Haiti, where I transitioned from capturing images to cultivating life—using soil and plants as my new mediums.

Grown in Haiti emerged from this transition, born out of a desire to address the pressing issues of deforestation, soil degradation, and food insecurity that plagued my homeland. Our mission extends beyond mere reforestation; we engage in agroforestry, educational outreach, and community development projects that aim to restore not only the land but also the hope and self-sufficiency of local communities.

What sets Grown in Haiti apart is our approach: seeing the land as a canvas and our work as art, blending creativity with sustainability. We provide more than trees and gardens; we offer knowledge, empowerment, and a model for ecological stewardship that can be replicated and adapted across Haiti and beyond.

I’m most proud of the tangible changes we’ve witnessed: barren lands reborn as lush forests, communities revitalized through sustainable practices, and a new generation that sees value in their natural heritage. These successes are a testament to the power of collective action and the indomitable spirit of the Haitian people.

To our potential supporters, clients, and followers, I want you to know that Grown in Haiti is more than an organization; it’s a movement towards a greener, more resilient future. Each project, each tree planted, is a step towards healing our planet and ourselves.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the early years of Grown in Haiti, we faced a particularly challenging season that tested our resilience and commitment to our mission. It was a year marked by extreme weather—prolonged drought followed by devastating rains. The adverse conditions threatened not only our young saplings but also the livelihoods of the communities we support.

One particular project, a community garden that was meant to serve as a food source and educational site, was hit hard. We watched helplessly as the rain washed away months of hard work, leaving behind a barren, muddy mess. The loss was more than physical; it was a blow to the community’s spirit.

However, it was in this moment of despair that the true strength of our community and our mission shone through. Refusing to be defeated, we rallied together, drawing on the very principles of sustainability and regeneration we advocate for. With shovels, seeds, and unwavering determination, we began the arduous process of rebuilding the garden.

This time, we integrated new techniques learned from the ordeal, implementing better water management strategies and planting more flood-resistant crops. The community’s involvement was integral; their hands and hearts were in every inch of soil turned and every seed planted.

Months later, the garden was not only restored but thriving beyond our expectations. This experience was a powerful reminder of the resilience inherent in both nature and people. It taught us that setbacks are not the end but rather catalysts for growth and improvement.

This story of resilience is one I carry close to my heart. It underscores the essence of Grown in Haiti: that through collaboration, perseverance, and respect for nature, we can overcome adversity and foster a sustainable future for all.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my journey from photographer to environmental steward, the transformative power of creativity has been a constant. To support artists, creatives, and a thriving ecosystem, society must value creativity as essential to innovation and social change. Financial and cultural appreciation for the arts is foundational, from investing in art programs to supporting initiatives that intersect creativity with social and environmental causes.

Integrating art into education from an early age is also vital, treating it not as an extracurricular but as a core part of holistic learning. Such an approach nurtures critical thinking, empathy, and innovative problem-solving skills.

Moreover, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations can magnify the impact of creativity. Our partnership with Alpha Arts Alliance exemplifies this. By harnessing the voice of Haitian artists, Alpha Arts Alliance has played a crucial role in fundraising for Grown in Haiti, bringing global attention to our mission through the powerful medium of art. This synergy between environmentalism and art not only amplifies our message but also reinforces the importance of creativity in addressing global challenges.

Creating spaces for artists and creatives to collaborate with environmentalists, scientists, and communities unleashes a collective creativity that can inspire action and foster a deeper connection to our planet. At Grown in Haiti, we’ve seen the impact of blending art with environmental restoration—how it can mobilize communities, raise awareness, and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of nature.

Supporting artists and a thriving creative ecosystem means recognizing and nurturing the role of creativity in building a sustainable, empathetic, and vibrant world. Through partnerships like ours with Alpha Arts Alliance, we can see the blueprint for how society can elevate and harness creativity for the greater good.

Contact Info:

• Website: Growninhaiti.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/growninhaiti
• Facebook: Facebook.com/growninhaiti
• Linkedin: LinkedIn.com/growninhaiti
• Twitter: X.com/growninhaiti
• Youtube: YouTube.com/growninhaiti

Image Credits
Most photos taken by me, Sidney-Max Etienne With the exception of photo of me conducting a workshop taken by Yi Liu and the portrait sharing a plant with a woman taken by Cyndie Lundy