11 – 25 November 2012
This exciting exhibition showcases artwork from students at the Swaziland High School for the Deaf, where ArtReach is currently undergoing a pilot project in visual arts and creative skills. This is a fundraising exhibition, with all proceeds of work sold going towards further equipment and material for the school.
Opening Remarks of the Yebo! ArtReach School for the Deaf Art Exhibit, November 10th, 2012
by Craig Cloud, US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission
This is truly an inspiring event and I am so pleased to be here representing the U.S. Embassy in Swaziland. We are proud to be a sponsor of this very special project, carried out by Yebo!ArtReach, in partnership with the School for the Deaf. In our eyes, there is no better example of art giving a voice to the voiceless and we could not be happier with the result you see around you today.
When the Yebo!Artreach team approached the Embassy about this project, we knew immediately we wanted to be a part of it. We have partnered with Aleta, Peter and Dane Armstrong on projects in the past and the result has always been outstanding. They have a deep commitment to supporting artists and the expansion and development of art in Swaziland and we knew they would bring that same passion to this project for the students at the School for the Deaf.
During the project, a team from the Embassy visited the school to see the artists in action with the students. They came back both impressed and inspired. While the artists did not speak sign language, they managed to communicate with ease with the students through art. The students responded by creating the incredible pieces you see around you. The potential that was within these students was awoken by Yebo!ArtReach.
The Embassy team was also impressed by the dedication and commitment of the teachers at the school, who are working hard to make sure the students receive the education they deserve. We hope that art will continue to be a part of that education going forward.
Everyone, no matter who they are, needs a chance to have their voice heard, whether that voice is heard through the spoken word or sign language, art or music, dance or poetry. As you see here today, art can be a powerful tool for self-expression. We would like to thank Yebo!ArtReach for allowing these students to have their voices heard through art. We hope that all those coming to the exhibit are as inspired as we are at the U.S. Embassy and that this is the first of many such projects in Swaziland.
Congratulations to both the student artists and the dedicated artists of Yebo ArtReach!