Klimaxx School Outreach links art, heritage, and youth

GREAT BAY--Klimaxx Karnival has extended the magic of Carnival beyond the stage and into the classroom through its Cultural School Outreach Program, proudly endorsed and supported by the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG).

Following the success of its Winning Carnival Cultural Wear Costume, which paid tribute to beloved artist and cultural icon Ruby Bute, the Klimaxx team has embarked on an educational journey across local schools to share the story behind the design, and the legacy of the woman who inspired it.

The outreach sessions engaged students from Sister Borgia Elementary, Leonard Connor School, Ruby Labega Primary, Rhythm and Groove Dance School, and École Hervé Williams on the French side, uniting both sides of the island through one shared cultural heartbeat.

Each presentation showcased the award-winning costume, immersive storytelling, and meaningful discussions about Ruby Bute’s legacy as a pioneering artist, writer, and cultural guardian of St. Maarten. Students learned how her work preserves identity, empowers community, and celebrates the richness of our heritage.

Through a unique collaboration with the Heritage Monument Walk, Klimaxx and Heritage Monument combined their initiatives to create a deeper, more powerful educational journey. Together, they transformed history into a vibrant learning experience, where art, culture, and heritage came alive for the next generation.

“Our goal was to show students that Carnival is not only about beauty and performance, it’s also a living archive of who we are as a people,” said a representative of Klimaxx Karnival. “Ruby Bute’s work reminds us that our art, our stories, and our style are powerful tools for preserving identity.”

The initiative emphasizes the importance of cultural inheritance, ensuring that the stories, artistry, and achievements of icons like Ruby Bute are passed down with understanding and pride. By connecting the visual creativity of Carnival with education, Klimaxx Karnival continues to prove that culture and art can be powerful teaching tools, shaping how young people see themselves and their island.

The project was made possible through the continued support of Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG), whose belief in cultural preservation and youth education has allowed programs like this to thrive. The partnership reflects a shared mission: to empower communities through art, storytelling, and authentic Caribbean heritage.

Building on this success, Klimaxx Karnival plans to expand the outreach program in 2026 to include secondary schools and to introduce interactive workshops that allow students to create their own cultural expressions through costume, poetry, and visual art.

“Together, we can do more,” the Klimaxx team shared. “We encourage our community, teachers, parents, artists, and organizations, to continue creating spaces that educate and inspire the next generation. Culture grows when we pass it on.”

Through this meaningful collaboration, Klimaxx Karnival continues to celebrate St. Maarten’s roots, rhythm, and resilience, ensuring that the legacy of Ruby Bute, and all cultural pioneers, remains alive in the hearts and minds of our youth.

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