American Jewish Museum and Jewish Family & Children’s Services co-present Sanctuary & Sustenance: The Story of Many Journeys
Opening reception and celebration Wednesday, May 18, 7-9pm
7:30 PM: Music and dance featuring traditions of Pittsburgh’s African and Bhutanese communities.
8:40 PM: Screening of Sanctuary & Sustenance: The Story of Many Journeys
Recognizing that the arts contribute to social transformation and bridge building, the American Jewish Museum and Jewish Family & Children’s Service co-present Sanctuary & Sustenance: The Story of Many Journeys, a multimedia presentation with images and music and a photography exhibition offering a glimpse into the lives of refugees from around the world
More than 60 million people are without a permanent country to call home. These refugees have fled their homelands because of war or persecution. Through photography, music, and dance, Sanctuary & Sustenance tells the story of their journeys.
Focusing on Bhutanese refugee resettlement in Pittsburgh from 2014-2016, Sanctuary & Sustenance features images by photojournalist Julia Rendleman. Her compositions trace the journey during catastrophic events of displacement, the path to sanctuary, and the process of rebuilding life in Pittsburgh.
The project includes a multimedia projection comprised of images and music documenting the lives of people from around the world forced to flee their homes. The projection, and the music and dance performances, will be presented at the May 18th reception.
Sanctuary & Sustenance, organized by Chicago-based organization ArtWorks Projects, aims to raise the public consciousness of these critical issues to a wide variety of people and spark conversations about our collective responsibility to welcome refugees and encourage policy makers to act in favor of fundamental human rights for refugees and asylum seekers.
Community partners include: Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Immigrants & Internationals Initiative; Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh; City of Pittsburgh Mayor’s Office, Welcoming Pittsburgh; FORGE; Greater Pittsburgh Literary Council; Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh Community Relations Council; NextGen:Pgh; Northern Area Multi-Service Center; Pennsylvania Refugee Coordinator Office; Pittsburgh Area Jewish Committee; Repair the World; South Hills Interfaith Movement; Three Rivers Community Foundation; and United African Communities.
