For Haiti: A Revealing Portrait of Haitian Art & Culture

Offering up an alternative view of Haiti through local art & film

The Art Gallery at the Offshore Coffee Shop, 3/5 Gibson Street, Glasgow, G12 8NU

Friday, 1^st April 2011, from 7.30pm

Exhibition continues 2^nd until 16^th April 2011

Admission: Free

One year on, in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, Haitians now face tragedies that threaten their basic human rights. Currently, only 46% of the population have access to clean drinking water and less than 17% have access to sanitation facilities; in the case of the 800,000 people still living in tent cities there is on average no more than 1 latrine per 50 residents. Starvation, homelessness, disease and violence are widespread, and an estimated 80% of Haitians are living in conditions well below the poverty line. In a country where equality and community lies at the very heart of society, the absence of a government that truly reflects the concerns of its people is overshadowing Haiti’s inspiring resilience & vibrant culture.

“Haiti has very limited natural resources remaining. Extensive deforestation has resulted in flash floods and nutrient deficient soil but despite all this Haiti’s future still looks bright! Haitian people are innovative and dedicated; they can over come most anything with the help of a neighbor. Men anpil chay pa lou. (Many hands make the load lighter) ” 

Jean Lucho- Give Love Sanitation Project Manager

For Haiti: A Revealing Portrait of Haitian Art & Culture will open on Friday, April 1st 2011, at 7.30pm with a screening of the short film Poto Mitan; Haitian Women, Pillars of the Global Economy.  It is a compelling look into the lives of five Haitian women, who’s resilient fight against the system gives us insight not only into Haiti’s contemporary political & economic crisis but also into the issue of globalization as a whole. There will be a short discussion to take place after the film at which time any questions about the artwork or beneficiaries can be addressed.

 “The best projects are the ones that are helping Haitian people to help themselves; by supporting local education and innovation in a sustainable way we can help Haiti regain its independence from foreign aid.” Katherine Mackenzie – Independent Aid-worker

This exhibition encourages the people of Glasgow to consider Haiti from a different angle by offering a community-based approach to raising both awareness and donations. Throughout the first two weeks of April, the Offshore Gallery will be showcasing photography, film, paintings and literature from Haiti. All of the pieces on display will be offered for sale or by auction with the proceeds going to directly support local grassroots initiatives in Haiti.

The Offshore Coffee Shop houses an art gallery where a wide variety of creative genres can be found on display throughout the year, as well as regular life drawing classes. The venue has kindly provided the space for this upcoming exhibition.

For enquiries please contact Katherine Mackenzie on 07500184962 or katherine_mackenzie11@hotmail.com

or contact Offshore Coffee through their website or at info@offshorecoffee.co.uk

There will be a variety of grassroots projects benefiting from your donations

All proceeds will go directly to the Organisation of your choice

Donations can be made at http://forhaiti.eventbrite.com