Vision, Mission and Values

Vision: To be the leading Caribbean Arts and Cultural Organization in North America.
The Mission: To celebrate, preserve, and promote the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean community in Canada.

Mission Statement

At the core of FMC’s mission is the empowerment of racialized and marginalized communities through culturally relevant initiatives that address systemic barriers to economic and social advancement. The FMC is therefore dedicated to fostering an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of Canada.

To achieve this mission, we will:

Empower racialized communities, particularly those of Caribbean descent, by providing them with the tools, resources, and opportunities needed to achieve economic independence and social mobility.
Promote and preserve Caribbean culture, ensuring that it remains a vibrant and integral part of Canada’s multicultural landscape.
Foster educational opportunities that increase awareness and appreciation of Caribbean Canadian history and contributions, while equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for personal and professional growth.
Create inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity, promote social cohesion, and address inequalities within society.

Our Values

RESPECT

Conducting ourselves with honesty while valuing the contributions of others COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Recognizing the importance of our community’s interest in our decisions.

INTEGRITY

We commit to firm adherence to the code of incorruptible and honourable moral and ethical values in everything we do.

TRUST/ CONFIDENTIALITY

We will operate in an environment where we value internal and external relationships, where we commit to, have confidence in, and feel safe in communicating with each other without fear of reprisal.

EXCELLENCE

We always do everything to the best of our ability recognizing our institutional limitations and principle of artistic authenticity.

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We will conduct our business taking into account our social, economic, and environmental responsibilities.

PASSION/ FUN

We will undertake our work with the ultimate intensity of effort and boundless enthusiasm while at the same time, having fun in its execution.

HONESTY

We will operate at all times in the spirit of openness, transparency, and truthfulness. We will put the organization’s interest at all times ahead of self-interest.

Steelpan

Steelpan music in Canada has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Caribbean diaspora, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, where the steelpan originated. Introduced in the 1950s, the steelpan became a vital symbol of cultural identity and community cohesion for many Caribbean Canadians. As the instrument gained popularity, Toronto saw the formation of several steelbands, including the influential Afropan, established in 1973 by Earl La Pierre Sr. Afropan became a cornerstone of the city's steelpan culture, regularly performing at events like the Toronto Caribbean Carnival's Pan Alive competition, which began in 1997.

The steelpan also found a home in Toronto's educational institutions. Beginning in the 1980s, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) incorporated the instrument into its music curriculum, fostering new generations of pannists. Today, over 30 schools in Ontario offer steelpan programs, and the TDSB Panfest provides students a platform to showcase their talents.

Organizations like the Ontario Steelpan Association and the Canadian Federation of Steelpan have played crucial roles in promoting and preserving steelpan music in Canada. These groups organize events, provide resources, and support the community through various initiatives.The steelpan in Toronto has not only preserved its traditional roots but has also evolved by incorporating urban genres like R&B and pop, reflecting the diverse influences of its new home while maintaining its Caribbean heritage.This cultural preservation and adaptation of steelpan music highlight its importance not only as a symbol of Caribbean heritage but also as a unique and integral part of Canada's diverse musical identity.

Calypso

Calypso music is a vibrant and rhythmic genre that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early 19th century. It evolved from the West African traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans, who used this musical form to communicate, satirize social issues, and express political commentary. Originally performed in a call-and-response style, calypso was heavily influenced by French, Spanish, and Creole musical elements. The lyrics, often witty and filled with double entendres, address topical events and societal issues, making calypso a "poor man's newspaper" in times of limited literacy. As it evolved Calypso has spawned many subgenres, including soca mento, benna, spouge, ska, chutney, and extempo. Calypso has been part of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival since 1967.

The first commercial recordings of Calypso occurred in the 1920s and 30s in Trinidad when the calypso monarch competition also emerged.

Until the emergence of Calypso Rose in the mid-1960s, the genre had been dominated by men, despite a long tradition of female chantwells. Calypso Rose’s success in the 1970s culminated in her becoming the first woman Calypso Monarch. The artform was nurtured in Canada first by the Calypso Association of Canada and now The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) which is a registered non-profit arts organization founded in 1981 to guide the growth and development of calypso in Toronto and Canada.