NEWS

New Programs!

In July of this year A.R.T. began a new program in Bella Flor, Colombia a displaced community on the outskirts of Bogotá. The program is run in partnership with Fundación Laudes Infantis who work to provide community services to the people of Bella Flor. There were over 90 participants in the first few weeks alone. This program will teach weaving and photography workshops.

A.R.T. is in the process of setting up a new program in Utica, NY. 

A.R.T. film chosen for UNHCR international film festival!

A.R.T.'s film Asi Cantaba El Niño Conde, a documentary on A.R.T.'s program in Tintalito, Colombia, has been selected to be shown at UNHCR's Film Festival in Venezuela. The UNHCR film festival is centered on World Refugee Day, June 20th. The film festival begins in June and continues throughout August.

Filmmaker Alejandro Ramirez and Producer Natalia Sanchez took on the task of filming A.R.T.'s program in Tintalito, Colombia. They captured the daily lives of a community who, with A.R.T.'s help, were able to once again recapture their cultural identity through the arts. The film depicts this community happy to once again sing and dance the songs of their past and teach their children the ways of basket weaving.

The film centers on the lives of displaced Colombians who now have the space to create art and keep their cultural history alive. Filmmaker Ramirez expressed "making this film changed our lives and careers. Every time "Asi cantaba el niño conde" is shown, the first thing we do is remember the elders and children that with their courage and dedication made it all possible."

A.R.T. congratulates filmmaker Alejandro Ramirez on his great success and hopes that this film festival will draw much needed attention to the plight of the Colombian people.