For immediate release
The “Maleta” (suitcase) breaks new ground: the first-ever Filipino Canadian Art Exhibit in Ontario
Toronto, ON (October 20, 2010) – Members of the Filipino Canadian community take great pride in organizing the first-ever Filipino Canadian art exhibit made for and by Filipino Canadian women, workers and youth. Held at the renowned Beit Zatoun House in Toronto on October 10, 2010, the opening of the art exhibit drew in and impressed more than 140 community members, friends and allies.
As the first-ever Filipino Canadian art exhibit in Ontario, the event is another milestone in the history of the community in Canada. Coinciding with the 10th year anniversary celebration of the Philippine Women Centre of Ontario, the success of the Grand Maleta Art Exhibit is a manifestation of the growth of the Filipino Canadian community, as well as a decade of strong organizing efforts by the PWC-ON in leading and advancing the struggles of the community in Canada.
“The mere fact that we are able to create art pieces that directly convey the lived realities of our community and simultaneously celebrate the 10th year anniversary of PWC-ON is symbolic of our growth, dynamism, maturity and creativity as an organization and as a community,” says Kim Abis, a member of PWC-ON and Ugnayan ng Kabataang Pilipino sa Canada/Filipino Canadian Youth Alliance-Ontario.
While depicting the history, lived realities and struggles of the Filipino Canadian community, the Maleta art exhibit unleashes the community’s resistance and unrelenting will to attain a better future in Canadian society. “Tonight was indeed a historical one for our community. Not only were we able to convey our struggles in an art form, but it was also a night that brought together the voices of our community, a night where everyone embraced the resiliency and courageousness of our women to stand strong and continue our history of resistance,” says Joy C. Sioson, Chairperson of PWC-ON.
The event was filled with enthusiasm and militancy as artists, performers and community members celebrated through inspiring speeches, solidarity messages, upbeat progressive songs and a political fashion show. Impressed by the vibrancy, strength and resiliency of the crowd and the exhibit, Robert Massoud of the Beit Zatoun House declared that “I was totally blown away by your exhibition/installation. It was hugely creative and inspirational! It is my new benchmark for community expression against oppression.”
As the Filipino Canadian community continues to be one of the most oppressed and marginalized communities in Canadian society, the need for Filipino Canadian women, workers and youth to relentlessly organize and continue the struggle for our overall empowerment and development remains an urgent task. “It was wonderful to behold young people who are embracing and understanding of how far our families have come, and how far we still need to go in order to be a part of this country we call home,” says Connie Masci, one of the founding members of PWC-ON.
“Tonight was a part of our process of completing the journey from nation to home; this bears witness to the strength and determination of the Filipino Canadian community in heightening the struggle for women’s liberation and advancing our struggle for our just and genuine settlement and integration in Canada,” ends Sioson.
Filipino Canadian women, workers and youth have once again galvanized their unity and are more than ready to fulfill their role to lead the struggle for full participation and entitlement in Canadian society.
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The Grand Maleta Art exhibit will run until October 30, 2010.
Beit Zatoun House (612 Markham Street, one block west from Bathurst and Bloor)
Gallery hours:
Mon & Tues: closed
Wed: 12pm – 6pm
Thurs & Fri: 12pm – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 12pm – 5pm
For more information, contact:
Qara Clemente
pwc-on@magkaisacentre.org
www.magkaisacentre.org
(416) 519-2553
Philippine Women Centre of Ontario (PWC-ON) Member of the National Alliance of Philippine Women in Canada (NAPWC) Telephone: 416-519-2553
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