Roseau, Dominica – Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative), the nonprofit organization registered in the United States and as an Approved Charitable organization in Dominica, is thrilled to announce that Jenae Bell has been selected as the winner of CETI's Dominica Design Competition. CETI is applying advanced machine learning and state-of-the-art gentle robotics to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales. In partnership with the Waitukubuli Artist Association (WAA), this competition invited association members from across Dominica to create original illustrations inspired by CETI's work of translating sperm whale communication. This initiative is part of the CETI ARTS program, which engages in programs, projects, and partnerships at the intersection of art and science.
As a Dominican illustrator and digital artist, Bell is inspired by the island's natural landscape and cultural traditions. "This piece encapsulates what CETI stands for. When I read the words Cetacean Translation Initiative, I envision a future where human beings are fully capable of understanding and conversing with our neighbors in the water just as you would your neighbors on land" Bell said. Bell has been a member of WAA for five years, which has allowed her to surround herself with other local artists and has given her the runway to pursue art as her full-time career.
Celebrate the marine heritage of Dominica and the shared commitment to marine conservation by purchasing this limited edition tote bag featuring Bell’s artwork. All proceeds will support CETI’s research in Dominica. Also as a part of their partnership, CETI and WAA recently created a new large-scale mural in Roseau facing the bay front. The mural features the dream-like landscape of Dominica with an homage to the sperm whale in the foreground. CETI looks forward to continuing its partnership with the Waitukubuli Artist Association on future projects.
To learn more about CETI’s work in Dominica please visit our website at www.projectceti.org and follow us on Instagram, X, LinkedIn and TikTok at @ProjectCETI. For more about WAA visit www.kubuliarts.com and follow the association at @kubuliarts on Instagram and Facebook.
About Project CETI
Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) is a nonprofit organization registered in Dominica and the United States applying advanced machine learning and state-of-the-art robotics to listen to and translate the communication of sperm whales in the Eastern Caribbean off the coast of the island of Dominica. Its science team comprises leading artificial intelligence, natural language processing and complex systems experts, cryptographers, linguists, marine biologists, roboticists, engineers, and underwater acousticians in partnership with over 12 academic institutions and companies across six countries. In Dominica, CETI conducts various community programs and partnerships such as its Dominica Marine Conservation Fellowship, a 10-month multi-module training program for young Dominicans interested in marine science, that was developed in partnership with the National Geographic Society.
About Waitukubuli Artist Association
The Waitukubuli Artist Association (WAA) is a diverse group of artists looking to elevate the level of appreciation for art in Dominica and the wider community through creative symbiosis.
For further inquiries, please contact Nicole Loher at ceti@mcpstrategies.com.