African roots

Vues D'Afrique's fifth African and Caribbean fair will showcase the work of visual artists, musicians, designers, authors and cooks free of charge from May 18-21.

New information technologies is the topic of the Cultural Industry Forum at Café Électronique on May 18 and 19. Workshops and conferences will be held with the goal of forming partnerships to aid in the reappropriation and dissemination of North and South African cultures.

Meanwhile, Espace-Livre, at three local bookstores from May 18-20, will bring together African, Creole and Canadian literary talents for debates and lectures.

On the festival's final day, May 21, Complexe Desjardins will host the Mode Fusion 2000 Fashion Show, which will feature contemporary, traditional and cross-cultural styles by seven designers including local talents Claudette Floyd, Sheila Dassin and Nevik. Live musical accompaniment will be provided by O.N.E. (Original New Elements), a local R&B band. For more festival information, call 284-2602. : --Lorraine Carpenter

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