AMAKA in the context of the Re-flower Project presents from the 5th to 13th March, the art exhibition Re-flower.
The Re-flower exhibition presents the results of the same-named creative photo-therapy workshop for women; victims of trafficking and sex workers who live and work in the centre of Athens.
The workshop is implemented by AMAKA, as part of the broader project “Τhe Attendants” and it is held from September, 2015, in the centre of Athens, very near the neighborhoods where the participating women live and work. The workshop is being held at Satovriandou street, in the building owned by the Salvation Army. There, in the context of the “Green Light Project” the organization has as its main goal, to create in future a welcome day center for this vulnerable group (with advisory support services, legal help by different organizations, etc.) Besides AMAKA and the Salvation Army, the space is also occupied by the NGO POSITIVE VOICE which offers advisory support at this vulnerable target group.
The location of this space gives a special color to the whole endeavor, as the problems and conditions of the population are felt here in a very intense way. It is this exact location that was selected as the venue for the exhibition of the results from the workshop, making the space itself part of the exhibition. The spectator will be called to walk the same roads the women work at, and entering the building will feel as if they are entering part of their reality. In this space, one will have the opportunity to see the works the women created: photographs, texts and audio documentations.
The exhibition aims to raise public awareness through art on issues of trafficking and sexual exploitation. Simultaneously, in the space there will be informative material on relevant issues under the care of the NGO “Positive Voice”.
On the opening day, under the musical touch of Dj Andromache which will accompany us with soulful sounds, an interactive photographic chamber will be in operation, where the public -through video therapy methods- will be able to leave their message to the women attending the workshop, as well as other artistic events.
You can read the Press Release HERE
EXHIBITION OPENING: SATURDAY 5th MARCH | 20.00
DURATION : SATURDAY 5th MARCH – SUNDAY 13th MARCH
OPENING HOURS: WEEKDAYS 15.00-20.00, SAT | SUN : 11.00-20.00
ADDRESS: SATOVRIANDOU, OMONIA METRO STATION
FREE ENTRANCE
A FEW WORDS ABOUT ATTENDANTS
The Attendants Project was created by the photographer Myrto Papadopoulou in 2011, as an answer to a severe increase in victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation which can be observed in Greece throughout the years of the financial crisis. Attendants is a Cross Media project which examines the sex industry through different prisms. The actions organized by Attendants include publications, talks, photography exhibitions, documentaries, educational programs and more. It is within this framework of actions that the Photo-therapy Re-flower workshop is included, with the victims being the direct beneficiaries.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT THE SALVATION ARMY AND THE GREEN LIGHT PROJECT
The Salvation Army is an international Christian movement which is active in 124 countries. Since 2007, with Thessaloniki at its base, it has started developing humanitarian aid programs in Greece, which are aimed at senior citizens, young parents, the homeless, victims of trafficking, etc.
The Green Light Project (GLP) is an initiative of the Salvation Army in Greece against the exploitation of people. Since 2009, in Thessaloniki and since 2013 in Athens -with the contributions of the Set Free Movement and Free Methodist- the program offers its services to people who are trapped in trafficking and exploitation networks. The program has as its foundation in the personal contact with individuals and families and its support towards decent living conditions. Additionally, it seeks to develop partnerships with other social efforts for a more effective response to the problem, until it becomes extinct. Recently, with the strong support of Sani Resort, the GLP got a wonderful new “home” in the centre of Athens, as its headquarters. This is the house in which the Re-flower exhibition is held at.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT POSITIVE VOICE
Positive Voice is the Seropositive Association of Greece, for people who live with HIV/AIDS.
The Association was founded in 2009 to defend the rights of people who are HIV-positive, to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS, and to reduce its social and economic impact in Greece.
The Association strives to ensure better prevention and raising awareness methods, care services and social care for people living with HIV/AIDS but also for groups vulnerable to HIV. Simultaneously, it works towards raising social acceptance, solidarity, and support of these groups in order to combat the violations to their dignity and human rights.
