Arts Call For Darfur 14th December - 20th January Earlier this year a group of individuals in Wales, concerned about the continuing crisis in Darfur, came together with the aim of making a difference. These individuals, with links to the art world both in Wales and Sudan decided to create a project that would highlight the problems in Darfur and raise funds for the humanitarian relief work of Save the Children in this area. The group also wanted to showcase and support the efforts of Sudanese and local Welsh artists. Arts Call for Darfur was therefore created. The concept for Arts Call for Darfur came from Mohamed Hamza. Mohamed was born in Sudan and has lived in the UK for 20 years. He has become increasingly concerned about the crisis in Darfur and decided to take action. Mohamed recently visited Darfur and visited a number of communities to improve his understanding of the situation. Utilizing contacts in the arts worlds of Wales and Sudan a number of individuals and groups shared Mohamed¹s concern and eventually, the Arts Call for Darfur project was established. In addition to photographs by Bert Hardy, the exhibition also includes the essay and captions written for the “Down the Bay” story by Bert Hardy’s colleague and friend, A. L. (Bert) Lloyd. The two Berts worked together on this story and many others: Lloyd engaged the subjects in conversation and Hardy photographed them. Nonetheless, one might ask: Do Hardy’s photographs and the Picture Post text say the same things? Do they convey the same meanings? The Arts Call for Darfur project launches on December 14th at Butetown History and Arts Centre in Cardiff Bay. Following the launch, an exhibition will be on site until 20th January. A selection of works will be on display as part of the launch event along with the opportunity to purchase limited edition prints. The exhibition will then tour various sites in Wales offering the public the chance to hear more about the project and the opportunity to support its aims. Throughout the year, various events will be held to encourage individuals and businesses to support the aims of the project. Support will be sought through sponsorship, the commissioning of artists to produce pieces and the purchase of pieces ­ as well as smaller merchandise being produced and sold. The year¹s activity will culminate in a gala dinner at the Hilton Hotel Cardiff on 16th October, where a number of original art pieces will be auctioned.. The project is working in partnership with Save The Children, which is the largest international organisation providing relief and vital services to children and families in Darfur. The patron of this project is Harry Holland - one of Britain's leading figurative artists. Individuals producing pieces for the project include renowned artists such as: Philip Nicol, Charles Byrd, Iwan Bala, David Knight, Mary Jolley,Bev Howe, Mohamed Hamza, Maggie James, Sian Hamza Chris House, Salvatore Salimeni, Andii Little, Paul Hurley,David Watkins, Kyle Legall and Liz McKernan The Arts Call for Darfur project aims to be an ongoing campaign that supports and nurtures artistic talent whilst raising awareness of global issues and raising funds for humanitarian aid. In the first year, the project aims to generate £50,000. To find out more about this exciting new project, please contact: Project Officers Sian Hamza 07944404051 Project Manager Michael Flynn 07813042543 Publicity and Marketing Andree Morgan 07976002751 Events Hamza (fine art) 02920 256 757 Fine Art Paul Hurley 07803120556 Installation and Performance Andii Little 07985410763 Crafts Anthony Hopkins 02920 345224 Save the children For further information, reservations for the opening or more photos please contact Michael Flynn at: Butetown History & Arts Centre 5 Dock Chambers Bute Street Cardiff Bay Cardiff (2 minutes walk from the Waterfront) Tues to Fri 10am – 5pm Sat and Sun and Bank Holidays 11am – 4.30pm 029 20 256 757 E-mail: info@bhac.org www.bhac.org