Report by Paula Antolini
January 11, 2017 1:43PM EDT
Cultural Alliance of Western CT & Women’s Center of Danbury, Call to Artists: ‘End Works 2017’ Juried Exhibition to Increase Awareness Through the Arts, About Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
CALL TO ARTISTS TO JOIN IN MEANINGFUL CONVERSATION
THE CULTURAL ALLIANCE OF WESTERN CONNECTICUT & THE WOMEN’S CENTER OF GREATER DANBURY
TO COLLABORATE TO INCREASE AWARENESS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE & SEXUAL ASSAULT THROUGH THE ARTS
JURIED EXHIBITION, “END WORKS”, TO BE A HIGHLIGHT OF 2017 “ACCESSIBLE ART” SERIES, WITH SELECTED WORKS TO BE AUCTIONED AT WOMEN’S CENTER GALA
“Cut not the wings of your dreams, for they are the heartbeat and the freedom of your soul.” – author Unknown
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is inviting art entries for “End Works 2017”, a new initiative in collaboration with the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury. The project seeks statements about domestic violence and sexual assault in 2-dimensional media to be exhibited in the Cultural Alliance’s Accessible Art series, with selected works to be auctioned to benefit the Women’s Center.
The intention of “End Works 2017” is to engage and move the conversation forward. “Art has the ability to give voice to and increase awareness of domestic violence and sexual assault,” says the Cultural Alliance’s Executive Director, Lisa Scails. “The goal of this collaboration is to provide an opportunity for artists to show work that will engage and move the community forward in a meaningful discussion. We anticipate a spectrum of responses that will illuminate the truth about these issues, raise questions, and give hope.“
“End Works 2017” is inspired by the Women Center’s vision to end the violence against women, men and children, to foster equality and empowerment for all. The relationship between artist and audience is distinctive, creating an artist-led encounter between those whose lives have been touched by domestic violence and sexual assault, and those who have not. The Women’s Center would like the artist to explore this vision and what it means to them personally, and for our nation at large; to create common ground, explore issues related to domestic violence and sexual assault that inspire truth and hope, and deepen our dialogue. Pat Zachman, President and CEO of the Women’s Center says, “We are excited to be a part of this project which will offer yet another means of expressing the reality of domestic violence and sexual assault in a unique and creative manner.”
The project is open to artists 18 years old and up based in Connecticut. Artists are required to be a current member of the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut to participate. The annual membership fee to the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, which provides for the organization’s extensive marketing and promotions services, is $45.00. Online payments are accepted at http://bit.ly/cawcmembershi
Artists may submit up to 3 pieces. Works may be representational or abstract. All media including oils, watercolors, graphics, acrylics, computer generated pieces, photography, etc., may be submitted. Works in progress are allowed. All submissions must be of original design and must be for sale. The Cultural Alliance reserves the right to reject any and all works of art submitted to the exhibition.
A panel of accomplished artists will jury submissions. The jury’s decision is final. Artists selected to exhibit may be chosen for auction at the Women’s Center annual Gala, “An Evening Together” on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Amber Room Danbury. All proceeds from selected pieces for auction will benefit the Women’s Center. Selected artists will be notified of Accessible Art dates and locations in advance. Artists may find more information and to submit entries by visiting http://bit.ly/1MpJxNA
*****
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut
The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, with offices at 287 Main Street, Danbury, CT, is a leader in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties. The Cultural Alliance promotes and advocates for arts, history, and culture as a primary driver of the economy and as an enriching influence for communities and people. The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, a 501c-3, is the largest and only regional service organization working to ensure better access to arts and culture for all residents and visitors in Greater Danbury. It is supported by public and private funding, corporate sponsors, and by its 290 members including more than 55 arts, history, and cultural organizations. phone: (203) 798 0760 www.artswesternct.org
Since its founding in 1975, the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury has been a safe haven as the sole provider of services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in the Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield County areas. Each year, the Center serves over 25,000 individuals. The Center’s free and confidential services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The Center’s free services include emergency shelter and support services, counseling and advocacy, crisis intervention, and community education, primary prevention and training. phone: (203) 731 5200, www.wcogd.org hot lines: DV 203-731-5206 and SA 203-731-5204
###