From 2017 to 2018, the walls of Resorts World Casino transformed into a powerful canvas for Caribbean heritage. The Carnival in the City exhibition, hosted inside the Red Wall Art Gallery, offered a vivid, multi-floor tribute to the artistry, history, and cultural significance of J’Ouvert and the West Indian Day Carnival in New York City.
The exhibition was produced in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office, Community Affairs Unit and presented in support of the We Are J’Ouvert campaign. It welcomed over 22,000 daily casino patrons, many of whom were encountering J’Ouvert culture for the very first time.
2017: The Debut of Something Special
The inaugural edition launched in August 2017, showcasing a bold collection of Carnival Mas photography along the Red Wall, followed by a large-scale retrospective in the Rotunda that opened in September.
Featuring work from bands like Ramajay Mas, Freaks Mas, Stronjeh International, Roy Pierre & Associates, and Sesame Flyers, the exhibit combined full costumes, headpieces, video, and sculpture to immerse viewers in the Carnival experience.
The curatorial process was led by Opal Lynch, whose selections brought together high-resolution visuals that captured both the exuberance and the intimacy of mas. Among the many highlights, Roy Pierre received special recognition for his contributions to traditional J’Ouvert portrayal and his longstanding impact on Brooklyn Carnival.
https://rwnewyork.com/news/carnival-in-the-city/
2018: Centering J’Ouvert
In its second year, Carnival in the City returned with a sharper focus. The 2018 exhibit opened in September, with more than 40 images featured across two levels.
- The first floor was fully dedicated to J’Ouvert—an intentional decision that amplified the visibility of the pre-dawn celebration and its cultural weight.
- The second floor highlighted traditional Mas bands, parade moments, and costumed pageantry.
Photographers included Craig Scarlett, Keith Getter, Johnny Mora, David Vidal, and returning contributor Opal Lynch, whose work helped anchor the exhibit’s J’Ouvert lens. The images—ranging from raw and energetic to contemplative and proud—told the story of Carnival in New York as only the camera can.
A private reception at Bar 360 kicked off the exhibit with invited guests from media, city agencies, and the cultural community.
https://rwnewyork.com/news/carnival-in-the-city-2/
Behind the Scenes
Much of what made Carnival in the City possible was Karen Valentine’s deep community organizing, cultural diplomacy, and relationship-building behind the scenes. Through trusted networks and long-standing cultural ties, the exhibit came together as more than just a visual showcase,it became a bridge between city institutions and the Caribbean creative community.
That spirit, one of quiet coordination, shared purpose, and cultural affirmation, is what allowed We Are J’Ouvert to take root in new spaces.
Preserving and Promoting Our Story
For many casino visitors, this was their first time seeing J’Ouvert up close. The exhibit sparked curiosity, questions, and conversations. It also challenged perceptions—offering an alternative to the narratives that often surround Carnival and J’Ouvert in mainstream media.
As Karen Valentine put it, “Even if it’s in their periphery—to us, that is a win.”
We’re proud to have helped shape this important cultural moment. Carnival in the City remains a key chapter in our campaign’s history—and a testament to what’s possible when we bring tradition, storytelling, and strategic partnership together.