International Conference of Progressive Culture

You are cordially invited to the International Conference of Progressive Artists, Cultural Workers and Media Practitioners to be held in the Philippines on July 4-6, 2011 on the main campus of the University of the Philippines in Quezon City, Manila.

The theme of the event is “Cultural work as an integral part of the struggle of the peoples of the world against imperialism.”

The conference is an initiative of artists/cultural workers who are active within the International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS), an international formation of more than 200 organizations from 40 countries promoting, supporting and developing the struggles of the peoples of the world.

As artists ourselves, we have come to understand the importance of the role of art in the progressive movement and want to promote its value far beyond simple entertainment. We aim to examine and develop the ways in which art and culture are an integral and indispensable part of the revolution we all desire. This conference will be a unique opportunity for creative people from around the world to come together, share their work, and discuss the role of art in the struggle for fundamental social change.

We hope the conference can also provide an opportunity for progressive artists and cultural workers to strengthen ties that could eventually lead to the formation of an international alliance of anti-imperialist artists/cultural workers.

While we will ensure the best venue, comfortable accommodations, and an enjoyable and enriching conference, the international organizing committee will not be able to provide funding for the attendees. We hope that by sending you this invitation early it will provide you the time to prepare funding options.

We would also love your input. We enjoin you to submit specific topics and possible resource speakers to be considered for the final conference program. We encourage you as well to suggest names of individuals and organizations in your area who would be interested in attending the conference.

Please contact immediately the international organizing committee in your region to indicate your interest in attending this conference and to forward other feedback and suggestions. Succeeding calls for this event will detail practical information regarding visas, conference fees, board and lodging, the conference program and related matters.

See you in Manila in July 2011 !

More information at http://peoplesart.info.

Oplan Bayanihan Under Philippine President Benigno Aquino III

Read more about Oplan Bayanihan on Nato Reyes’ blog entry “Oplan Bayanihan: Grand psywar scheme and continuing violence against the people” Part 1 and Part 2.

In Memory of Leonard Weinglass

(Left to right) Marie Hilao-Enriquez of Karapatan; Leonard Weinglass; Melissa Roxas of Habi Arts; and Berna Ellorin of BAYAN USA. Photo by New York Committee for Human Rights in the Philippines, Inc.

Tribute to Leonard Weinglass from Melissa Roxas (co-founder of Habi Arts)

In Honor of Leonard Weinglass
from Melissa Roxas

I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family and closest friends of Leonard Weinglass, human rights lawyer and fighter for justice. I share with you a deep sense of loss over his passing away.

Len was an important part of my legal team, as co-counsel and adviser. I met with him several times in his office in New York to discuss my case.  I am deeply thankful for all the times he met with me and listened to my questions and concerns. He was always very kind and attentive. Len spoke out publicly on my behalf. This meant a lot to me because as a survivor of abduction and torture—it gave me a lot of hope and encouragement at a very difficult time—he made me feel that my voice was important and that it would have a chance to be heard.  He was committed to pursuing my case, along with the cases of other victims of human rights violations in the Philippines. He helped with preparations for the prosecution of former Philippine President Gloria M. Arroyo, et al, for gross human rights violations in the Philippines.

Leonard Weinglass has been a long-time fighter for justice, as a civil-rights lawyer in the United States and as an international human rights lawyer. He is well-known for his support of international justice struggles and a long-time ally and friend of the Filipino people.  He will always be remembered and honored for his commitment to justice and his service to the people.

Thank you Len for your commitment to justice and freedom for all oppressed peoples and for all victims of human rights violations! May your memory be an inspiration to many more people for generations to come.

Here is a little poem I wrote for you, in memory.

a little poem for a big legacy
for Leonard Weinglass

when we die,
left behind
are parts
of ourselves
whose weight in memory
is equal to the sum
of those lives
we’ve touched

if,
for every kindness
you’ve shown,
a tree,
for every person you’ve
helped,
a sweet violet,
for every defense of justice,
an orchid,
the forest you left behind
lives
full of blossoms

it ever grows more beautiful
with every new generation
you inspire

Mabuhay ang diwa ni Leonard Weinglass!

Free Ericson Acosta

More info:
http://freeacosta.blogspot.com

Get Up, Stand Up for Human Rights! Art Exhibit and Performances

Get Up, Stand Up for Human Rights! Art Exhibit
January 14 – February 5, 2011

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock
2225 Colorado Blvd (near intersection of Eagle Rock Blvd)
Los Angeles, CA 90041

Opening Reception: January 14, 2011, 6 – 9 PM with live performances starting at 7 PM

Curated by Liza Camba and Melissa Roxas

The “Get Up, Stand Up for Human Rights!” exhibition is a project initiated by community members to express ideas of what human rights mean to them and how it relates to the community at large—locally and globally.

This exhibition is the culmination of three months of skills-building workshops for participants—both artists and non-artists—accompanied by discussions about human rights issues. The result is a vivid and diverse expression, in various artistic mediums, of what human rights mean to them. The art pieces speak of violations of human rights in the Philippines to the local migrant communities struggling for a living wage and better working conditions.

The opening of the exhibit will showcase a standing visual exhibit, live performances by musicians, and special remarks by community leaders. This exhibit aims to do exactly what it is called—to get the community to stand up for human rights and to learn ways we can advocate for human rights in our local and international communities.

Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides innovative and multicultural arts programming to Eagle Rock and the surrounding communities of Northeast Los Angeles. Programs include exhibitions, community festivals, free and low-cost after school arts classes, Art Camps, and more. For more information on Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock and its community programs.

Sponsored by Filipino Arts and Justice Forum; Habi Arts; Sisters of GABRIELA, Awaken! (SiGAw!); Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock; City of Los Angeles, Department of Cultural Affairs; Los Angeles County Arts Commission.