Posts Tagged ‘art’

Their Loss of Innocence. Our Shame.

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Following Reading PSC’s January exhibition of Gazan Children’s Art at Reading library, the exhibition continued around the UK. Here’s a report from Elizabeth Morley at Aberstwyth PSC after their recent show:

Loss of Innocence, Aberystwyth - photo: Nida Shoughry

An exhibition of Gazan children’s art compiled by Rod Cox was on display in the Officers Club Gallery, Aberystwyth, 12-17 July.

On Friday evening Rod gave a talk about the pictures, which communicate the children’s experience of death and destruction, the loss of their childhood.

The continuous bombardment (from 27th December 2008 to 18th January 2009) of this narrow strip of land, where 1.5 million people live caged in by barbed wire, was devastating. Of the 1,400 killed almost 300 were children. Those who didn’t die will bear the physical and psychological scars for the rest of their lives.

When we hear of people suffering our hearts go out to them; we reach into our pockets and we want to help. When the victims are Palestinian, we find obstacles to giving aid, and what is worse, even to voicing our compassion. What, asked Rod, are Palestinians to make of it that when they are injured the world seems to look the other way?

photo: Nida Shoughry

That the tide may at last be turning could be inferred from remarks made by the two guest speakers. Cross-party co-operation at the National Assembly on the issue of Palestine was referred to by Elin Jones AM. Although foreign policy, she pointed out, wasn’t devolved to Wales, that didn’t deter her colleagues from discussing the situation in Gaza, for example. Raising awareness was important, she said.The role of education was emphasized also by Mark Williams MP. Teachers here, he said, could help children understand that children in Palestine long for a sign of recognition and friendship even more than aid. He hoped that schools in Wales would be encouraged to twin with schools in Palestine.

photo: Sue Young

Thanks to UNWRA and charitable organisations, Rod explained, laptops and computers are available to schools in Gaza and the West Bank. Language isn’t a problem, either, as many teachers know enough English to enable the children to exchange simple emails. He mentioned the Britain-Palestine Twinning Network, which is there to help schools make the link.

For anyone who missed the exhibition here, it will be in Bangor Cathedral from 18-23 July before it goes on up to Manchester Cathedral from 24 July to 7 August.

Read about Aber PSC and see more photos from the event on their “Get 2 Know a PSC” page.

EVENT: July 10 Big Day Out Festival, Bracknell

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Reading PSC has been invited to hold a stall with RISC at the Big Day Out Music & Performing Arts Festival at Bracknell’s South Hill Park on Saturday July 10, 2010 from 1-11.30pm.

There will be all kinds of performances and food from Egypt, India, Indonesia, France & Ice cream!

Check out the Schedule for a full list of performances/activities & download the programme here…

Big Day Out Festival of Music & Performing Arts

Big Day Out Festival has survived 4 continuous years as a celebration of all that’s good in new music and the performing arts. The festival often feels like a summary of everything you’ve not heard about or got excited about but is definitely worth seeing and if the great outdoors is where you’re at, then Big Day Out Festival is bound to have something for you.

There’s a strong family focus to the event, especially during daylight hours and Big Day Out in 2010 will be no different, with the festival’s day-time activities climaxing in a Children’s parade at 5.30pm. After this, Big Day Out takes on a stronger adult appeal with all kinds of events going on under canvas and outdoors too.

Entry costs £3 in advance or £5 on the door – under 18s FREE!

For tickets and more details, call the box office on (01344) 484123 or visit: bigdayout2010.webs.com

We will be there for the full day – so don’t forget to stop by and say hello!

Loss of Innocence: Children’s Artwork from Gaza

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Thanks to all those that visited the exhibition Reading! Let your friends and family know that they can see it at:

‘Loss of Innocence’ Gaza children’s artwork is an exhibition of paintings and drawings done by children in Gaza following the 22 day Israeli military operation called ‘Operation Cast Lead’ in early 2009. Read more »

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