Building a longer table NOT a higher wall

Project video Many of us - at least, in America - come from a long line of immigrants. But the  current national climate promotes a homogenized culture that ignores the historic idea that we are a country formed from immigrant cultural traditions.  Building a longer table rather than a Higher wall is an interactive political art exhibition that defies cultural  homogenization, preserves a heritage process, and is a way of engaging the community in collaborative artistic activity. The main focal point of the exhibit is a carved woodblock that is attached to the surface of a table. To create the woodblock itself, I will work with two to six refugee families.. The artist, in partnership with  Amnesty International has hosted community art events around Maryland. These events took place at the Sandy Spring museum and at a Wider circle. Events like Thanksgiving for everyone welcomed new immigrant families to the community. Participants were asked  to decorate kitchen items. These implements are collaborative combined efforts, made by many people. They bring together the traditions that immigrants left behind, the practical necessities of any life, and hopes for the future. 

The funds will be broken up into three categories. There will be a supply of funds for materials associated with the creation of the artwork. The second group will help pay a small stipend to the core staff who have and are donating hours of their time to this endeavour. We have one lead artist, a filmmaker, and some marketing support. You will be paying for a group art led sessions with a lead therapist/ art activist.  The last component is to help make the events possible for refugees. We fund meals, transportation, and a variety of services to have people meet other community members. Some of these connections are vital to helping people establish a support network here.