Who we are and what we are up to...
A little bit about me… I am Katie Chalcraft. I work within the human development space where international development, human rights and the role of the individual in bringing about social change are pivotal to my work. With a background in Social Anthropology, Human Rights, HIV work and a Winston Churchill Fellowship (2011) in Tackling HIV-related stigma through visual and performing arts I am passionate about addressing inequality. Together with a group of thoroughly inspiring change makers we are putting together an exhibition entitled ‘the art of discrimination: personal stories of triumph over stigma’. The exhibition will be held at the Brighton Unitarian Church, New Road, Brighton on Saturday September 29th 2012.
To find out more about me please see my online profile
the art of discrimination shares the narratives of people who have experienced and overcome stigma and discrimination in their lives. The exhibition will include photographic, oral, performance and film documentation to communicate personal stories of triumph over stigmatisation.
The series of photos, live speakers, performances and short films that form the art of discrimination aim to:
- Deepen the understanding of the impact discrimination has on others.
- Inspire people to find the courage they need to challenge discrimination and empower them with the tools to overcome it.
- Challenge people's perceptions about difference - highlighting the more subtle ways we may discriminate against each other
Currently we have live stories from:
- Winnie Sseruma – HIV activist and Advocacy and Networks Officer for the Community Health and HIV team at Christian Aid
- Emma Hurst – a woman with cerebral palsy working to support inclusion of disabled children within mainstream activities
- Sam Thomas - Founder and Director of Men Get Eating Disorders Too
Video and still narratives from:
- Dr Alice Welbourn – HIV activist (Founding Director of the Salamander Trust)
- Canon Gideon Byamugisha – first religious leader to be publicly open about his HIV status (International Network of Religious Leaders living with, or personally affected by, HIV (INERELA+) and Friends of Canon Gideon Foundation (FOCAGIFO))
Full biographies of each of the people sharing their stories are available on our blog (the art of discrimination).
Images from:
- Through Positive Eyes: A global photographic collaboration with Gideon Mendel and the UCLA Art & Global Health Center http://throughpositiveeyes.org/
- Through Positive Eyes is an attempt to address key themes of the AIDS epidemic: widespread stigma, extreme social inequality, and limited access to lifesaving medication. The project is based on the belief that challenging stigma against people living with HIV is the most effective method for combating the epidemic—and that art is a powerful way to do this. Through Positive Eyes will be coming to the UK next year so please get involved.
- Changing the Face of Human Rights: A collection from Nadia Bettega
Performances from:
- Signdance Collective perform live with Alex Ward from Dead Days Beyond Help: a performance of ‘Half a Penny’ a 35 minute play on discrimination: Signdance Collective
-
Unified Rhythm: a mixed ability carnival percussion band
We hope to have some additional stories of how other people have overcome stigma and discrimination in their lives. Other examples of the ways in which people have been discriminated may also include sexuality, mental health, ethnicity, religious or political opinion. We aim to have a variety of stories from a wide cross-section of society to challenge public perceptions of identity and the grounds upon which people are so often stigmatised.
With your support we will be able to coordinate the exhibition to ensure it touches and inspires as many people as possible. We have some incredibly powerful stories from individuals around the world who have experienced and overcome discrimination. This exhibition is the opportunity for those stories to be heard to inspire hope to others who may be facing discrimination and other difficulties in their lives.
What We Need
Most of the costs are to coordinate the exhibition, below is an accurate breakdown of the costs involved in putting it together:
|
Printing costs (flyers, posters, photos and text stories)
|
£700
|
| |
|
|
Performers (Signdance Collective and another group TBC)
|
£400
|
|
Travel expenses
|
£250
|
|
Equipment hire for performances
|
£200
|
|
Food for participants
|
£100
|
|
Contingencies
|
£200
|
| |
£1,850
|
There will be an auction of the photographs from Through Positive Eyes. The proceeds of this will go towards bringing the project Through Positive Eyes to the UK next year. In the UK Through Positive Eyes will work closely with of a group people living with HIV committed to sharing their status publicly to fight stigma. The group will participate in an intensive photographic workshop. The result of the project will be a set of sensitive, dynamic, colourful images and video clips that reveal a great deal about each person’s life.
The Impact
Discrimination is a global concern and is a catalyst to many of the societal indecencies that plague the world. Most of the wars and civil outcries are on the basis of a fundamental discrimination, from the Holocaust to the Rwandan genocide. Think of the last time that you were treated differently because of your gender, religion, race or ability. Through the art of discrimination project we hope to showcase the triumphs of the people who have overcome their situation, to inspire others to have the courage and the tools to challenge discrimination and as a voice for each of us to be aware of our behaviour and the way we treat others and to create the space for others to do the same.
Other Ways You Can Help
Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:
If you know of anyone who is willing to share their story, please email me: katiechalcraft@yahoo.co.uk.
All the costs of the project are for the on-the-day expense of the exhibition. To keep our costs as low as possible:
- If you are part of an organisation that is willing to assist us with the printing flyers, posters, photos and text stories
- If you know of anything who can assist us with the catering on the day
- If there is anyone who is willing to cover the traveling expenses to get the speakers to the event
- If you know of anyone who would be interested in attending, please invite them
- If you have anyone in your circle who could contribute to our cause, please can you spread the art of discrimination via the Indiegogo share tool
NB - This website is in US dollars - the equivalent to £1,850 is $2,950
To figure out what the equivalent of your donation from GBP (£) to USD ($) when donating please click here for the latest converstion calculator: http://www.xe.com/
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
