Cécile Accilien

Cécile Accilien is an associate professor of Haitian studies and director of the Institute of Haitian Studies in the Department of African and African-American Studies. She will teach a course titled “The Ties that Bind: Haiti and New Orleans,” exploring the connections between Haiti and New Orleans. This course will rely heavily on the Museum’s Mary Lou Vansant Collection of Haitian Art. Additionally, Accilien’s research on this collection will culminate in an exhibition during spring 2018 of works from the Museum as well as work by New Orleans–based, contemporary Haitian artist Ulrick Jean-Pierre. This exhibition will align with the 300th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans. Accilien will also collaborate with colleagues at KU and at local high schools and middle schools to offer curriculum focusing on New Orleans through literature, music, food, architecture, and more.