Executive Artistic Director, Dramaturg, Choreographer, Mentor, Producer

In the heart of the region colonially known as Kitchener, Ontario, on a block of the Haldiman’s Tract amid a struggling arts scene, Raechele Lovell stands as a beacon of creativity and resilience. From her early days in her father's steel drum band to becoming a passionate Artivist, she has embraced the transformative power of the arts. Raechele's journey began with a spark ignited by witnessing Caribbean dance performances, leading her on a quest for studying dance intensively as a young child. Overcoming obstacles with the tenacity of a warrior, she funded her education through creative means, driven by an unwavering commitment to her art.

Today, Raechele is a multifaceted artist - a Choreographer, Artistic Director, Dramaturg, Educator, Performance Artist and Producer. As the Founder and Executive Artistic Director of DiverseWorks Dance Co., she envisions a future where Afrocentric artistry thrives. Her work is now firmly rooted in her own decolonial praxis, built in residency with the Ubuntu Decolonial Arts Centre under the mentorship of d'bi.young anitafrika, challenging colonial norms and celebrating the rich traditions of Afro-diasporic storytelling. This praxis is a directive for embodying Raechele’s values uncovered through the overarching Anitafrika principle of Self Knowledge: advocating for equitable access to the arts, nurturing the next generation of storytellers, and empowering communities to embrace their artistic voices.

Raechele's dedication to decolonizing the arts sector is evident in her advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion. Her vision extends beyond the stage, aiming to provide sustainable and viable jobs through art and culture for Black leadership, contributing to the reduction of economic inequalities and anti-Black racism in the Waterloo Region. She plans to engage with local communities and institutions through the growth of the DiverseWorks Decolonial Arts Hub, which she is currently writing the framework for and actively seeking funding.

Raechele's journey is one of empowerment and advocacy, inspiring others to embrace their artistic voices and make a difference in their communities. Her resilience, determination, and commitment to her craft make her a true force in the world of arts and culture, paving the way for future generations of Black Canadian arts practitioners.