Haiti Cultural Exchange (HCX), the Brooklyn-based nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and promoting Haitian arts and culture, has moved into a new home at 35 Lafayette Ave., directly across from the Brooklyn Academy of Music.
The space, formerly home to La Caye Restaurant, places HCX squarely within the borough’s cultural corridor and marks a major step forward in the organization’s growth. The historic Lafayette Avenue address has long been a destination for lovers of Haitian food, art and community.
Now, HCX is transforming the venue into a multidisciplinary cultural hub that will host performances, exhibitions, artist residencies and conversations that deepen the dialogue around Haitian identity and creativity.
“Relocating to 35 Lafayette allows us to expand our vision and deepen our commitment to Haitian culture in the heart of Brooklyn’s artistic community," said HCX Executive Director Régine M. Roumain.
To mark the opening, HCX is launching its 2025–26 performance season with the return of Mizik Ayiti!, a weekly residency series that shines a spotlight on Haitian and Haitian diaspora music.
Running through Spring 2026, the series will feature Thursday night performances from 6:00pm–9:00pm, showcasing both established and emerging artists working across genres like roots, rara, kompa, twoubadou and electronic fusion.
The first residency, running through Nov. 13, features Haitian bassist Bobby Raymond and percussionist Markus Schwartz, two musicians whose work bridges traditional Haitian sounds with global jazz and contemporary influences.
Performances are open to the public with a suggested donation. Seating is limited and RSVPs are encouraged.
