Upon hearing about human trafficking for the first time, people often tell me that they never thought this crime could exist in the world today.
This was my reaction when I experienced the reality of human trafficking for the first time. My shock quickly turned into determination when I realized that I didn't want to live in a world where this type of exploitation could exist. There had to be something that I could do to end it.
The enormity of the problem often leaves us wondering what difference a single person can make. As I have traveled around the world and in my own country, however, I have seen the profound impact made by women and men, young people and children, using their unique gifts to prevent trafficking and care for trafficked persons right where they are - in their communities. Inspiring action locally and globally has always been a primary aim of ArtWorks for Freedom, and we are looking forward to furthering that goal through our next campaign in Atlanta!
We are excited to announce our new partnership with the International Human Trafficking Institute, part of the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, to present "Freedom Expressions ATL," coming this November, with a pre-exhibit this month in conjunction with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs/Gallery 72.
We're equally thrilled to launch our website with a new look, new display of our arts portfolio and a new emphasis on storytelling through our blog. I'm especially happy that our blog gives us the chance to share stories of those taking action against human trafficking. For our first week live, we're publishing two posts from our "Freedom Q&A Series," with Sarah Jakiel of the Polaris Project and Sophie Otiende and Grace Mwende of HAART Kenya. Get a sneak peak below!
I hope you'll spend some time on our website this month, as well as engage with us on Facebook and Twitter. Let's keep each other inspired to end human trafficking!
ArtWorks for Freedom is partnering with the International Human Trafficking Institute to present "Freedom Expressions ATL," a human trafficking awareness campaign that will run from November 4 – November 25. Over the course of 3 weeks, national and local artists will present visual installations aimed at conveying the complexities of human trafficking and moving audiences to take action against the crime in their communities.
Stay tuned for event details!
Ghost Slavery: Art Against Human Trafficking
September 10 – October 9
Gallery 72, 2 City Plaza, 72 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
As a run up to Freedom Expressions ATL, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs/ Gallery 72 presents a month-long showcase of art that addresses human trafficking, including work by local artists recently on display at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Take part in one of the many special events:
September 10:
Opening Night, 6 – 9 p.m.
September 17:
Forum and Screening of
“I-20: The Sex Trafficking Highway" by Marjé Etheridge
October 1:
Artists Talk and Open Mic for Human Rights
October 8:
Screening of “Made in Europe” by Inan Telmukuran
Our new artwork section with a beautiful layout allows visitors to see the breadth of our contributing artists’ works. We look forward to interacting with you on our blog section where we will share stories about anti-trafficking work to inspire your own action. Below is a sneak peak at our first blog posts, with new content coming each week.
From Our New Blog
Freedom Q&A with Sarah Jakiel, HAART Kenya
It isn’t easy to make human trafficking your focus every day. Sarah Jakiel, Chief Program Officer of Polaris Project, has done so for 10 years and knows what it takes to stay motivated in the field. Read our Freedom Q&A with Sarah to learn why she started anti-trafficking work, and how she stays encouraged to continue the fight.
Sophie Otiende and Grace Mwende are two activists working with HAART Kenya - an organization dedicated ending modern slavery in Kenya and East Africa - through their Arts to End Slavery program. Read our Freedom Q&A with Sophie and Grace about the power of art in raising human trafficking awareness, and how their country inspires their activism.
The Kennedy Center, Terrace Theater
2700 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20566
7:00 PM
VOLUNTEER BLOGGERS WANTED!
Are you a writer or digital content creator looking for a way to help end human trafficking? We’re looking for volunteer bloggers to share local stories of anti-trafficking work. This is a great opportunity for students, freelancers and blogging enthusiasts! Email our blog editor Courtney McSwain for more details.
Upon hearing about human trafficking for the first time, people often tell me that they never thought this crime could exist in the world today.
