| Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Sarah Gish
(work) 713.492.1173
(e) info@vbbarts.org
(url) www.vbbarts.org
Voices Breaking Boundaries presents
A Decade of Dissent: VBB's 10-Year Anniversary, 2009–2010
(HOUSTON, 2009–2010) —Voices Breaking Boundaries (VBB) is pleased to announce the
celebration of its ten-year anniversary during the upcoming 2009-2010 season.
Pakistani writer and artist Sehba Sarwar founded the
nonprofit when she first moved to Houston and saw the need for a grassroots activist
arts organization. “Ten years ago, when I received a personal grant from Houston
Arts Alliance (then Cultural Arts Council of Houston/ Harris County), I had no idea
that I, along with five other women artists as well as community members, would
create an organization that has become part of the alternative landscape of Houston
and beyond,” says Sehba Sarwar, VBB Founding Director. “We continue to create
links between social justice and art and give voice to marginalized communities.”
Since then, VBB has hosted readings with an uncensored open mic and multidisciplinary
art performances such as Brazilian capoeira and African American jazz. Drawing on her experience as an activist in Pakistan and a writer (Black Wings, 2004), Sarwar grew VBB into an organization that is known around Houston and beyond for the ways in which the art they present intersects today’s global, national and local socio-political issues. VBB now produces more than 10 events annually at local venues and offers educational residencies and performances for local youth
and adults. This year’s season kicks off with their annual program, “Living Room
Art,” which is expanding into homes around the country and the world.
VBB is a recognized alternative arts organization that has been consistently supported by organizations such as the Houston Arts Alliance, Texas Commission on the Arts, DiverseWorks, Houston Endowment, and the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Since its inception, VBB has collaborated with over 50 local, national, and international organizations including the Arab- American Anti-Discrimination League, the Artist Rescue Mission, Himal South
Asia (Nepal), Houston Palestine Film Festival, Houston Peace and Justice
Center, the National Organization for Women, the National Association of
Artists’ Organizations, the Palestinian Affairs Council, the South Asia Institute,
and Words Without Borders.
VBB's mission is to cross borders, sustain dialogue, and incite social justice through art. It serves as a much-needed sanctuary for artists' expressions and inspires the collective evolution of consciousness. It is open to artists, individuals and organizations from a multitude of perspectives, backgrounds and countries.
Their programming reflects their commitment to presenting the voices of various communities, without boundaries. The complete schedule for the 2009-2010 season follows. [Please download PDF for entire Press Release, here.]
For more information:
at 713 524 7821
www.vbbarts.org.
Download full PDF version here.
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