Toronto, ON – June 14, 2010 – Once again, Filipino-Canadians are unpacking their stories of migration as the Maleta Project continues its journey into Queen West’s Gallery 1313. As part of the Laidlaw Foundation’s “New Shape” exhibit, running from the 9th to the 20th of June, three pieces from the Maleta Project are being displayed. In a scene where artistry and creativity seems commonplace, Maleta subverts and surprises audiences by depicting art that is collectively produced out of the rich experiences of a community united in resistance.

Community members, artists and gallery onlookers will recall the power and the impact contained within the pieces “Cargo,” “Singkil” and “Giant Maleta.” Produced under the theme of “End the Exploitation, March for Liberation,” these pieces were crafted by the hands of the Sinag Bayan Ontario arts collective, and embodied by the lives of the transnational Filipino women striving for better lives in their new home. “As young Filipino artists and community organizers, we see art as an opportunity to convey our community’s culture of resistance to our audiences,” says Alleben Purugganan, Philippine Women Centre of Ontario and Sinag Bayan Ontario member. “Cargo,” “Singkil” and “Giant Maleta” will not only show stories of struggle, but will also highlight the community’s resistance.

Sponsored by the Laidlaw Foundation, the New Shape exhibit “gathers pieces by artists who tangibly work towards creating the communities they believe in.” In a similar fashion, Maleta provides the artistic vision and practice for an empowered Filipino-Canadian community. As Mark Serrano, UKPC/FCYA-ON member says, “By bringing out important issues through art, we are encouraging all Canadians to unpack their Maletas and to look at how migration shapes us as a people.” Currently, Maleta finds a new home in the New Shape exhibit, albeit for a temporary period of time. Maleta’s transitory appearance, much like the Filipino transnational experience, is a sign of what is to come. Come October, the Maleta Project will continue into a new home, in celebration of the Philippine Women Centre of Ontario’s 10th year anniversary. Similarly, Filipino-Canadians continue to struggle for their just and genuine settlement and integration by taking root in Canada as their new home. In celebration of PWC-ON’s 10th year anniversary, the Maleta Project’s grand exhibit will be held in a new location.

New Shape Exhibition
Gallery 1313
1313A Queen Street West
June 9th – 20th
Launch on June 14, 5 – 7PM

For more information, contact:
Kim Abis
(416) 519-2553
ukpc-on@magkaisacentre.org
www.magkaisacentre.org
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