‘I
Dream of Congo: Narratives from The Great Lakes’ is a self explanatory exhibition combining words and images from renowned international
creatives alongside a groundbreaking exhibition of photos taken by women
in eastern Congo.
| Bukavu, eastern DRC - Photo by Fjona Hill |
| Bukavu, eastern DRC - Photo by Fjona Hill |
The
exhibition and accompanying events celebrated the hope and optimism
that pervades in the region despite its years of war. It also poses
hard questions around the international community’s inaction in the face
of the conflict, the continuing illicit trade in minerals from Congo
and the failure to stem the tide of sexual violence.
I Dream Of Congo' Campaign is run by Congo Connect, a small UK-based group of individuals working to raise hope for eastern Congo.
"Our
mission is to create a space where we can challenge the prevailing
attitudes of hopelessness and despair that dominate the perception of
the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, by highlighting many of the
incredible untold stories of bravery, strength, positivity and
innovation from eastern DRC....
We
are driven by the injustice of Africa’s deadliest conflict in which an
estimated six million people have died and half a million women have
been raped, in a territorial struggle for supremacy and mineral wealth
among warring factions."
Click here for more information on Congo Connect and their work in Eastern Congo:
| Rape victims in Eastern Congo |
| Rape victims in Eastern Congo |
| Rape victims in Eastern Congo |
Contributions
from renowned photographers and writers featured alongside photos
and words from women in eastern Congo who have also responded to the
phrase ‘I Dream of Congo’. This part of the project has been developed
with Women for Women International.
"This content will also feature online, as part of our drive to raise the
profile of Congo and positively influence the debate around it.... Any proceeds will go to funding projects on the ground in Congo".
Congo Connect
During the exhibition, The Frontline Club, Women for Women International, One Billion Rising and Save the Congo held events in the space that relate to the theme. A ticketed music concert featuring special performances from Gasandji, Mulele Matondo Afrika and DJ Ya Kil and other Congolese musicians in association with Save the Congo took part on the Saturday 23rd February 2013 at the Cornway Hall, London.
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| Winner of Miss Congo UK 2012 Sandra Gondora reads her poem in phase of 'I Dream Of Congo'. |
| L-R Mya, Lisette, Sandra, Guydile |
| L-R Kiyana Wraps-Madelaine, Guydile, Lisette |
| Uhuru Movement: Brother Likay, Brother Papy |
| Save the Congo CEO- Vava Tampa and friend |
| Save the Congo staff and guest |
The exhibition, curated by Leslie Thomas of Art Works Projects and produced by Congo Connect was shown on the selected dates between 12th-23rd February 2013 at Conway Hall London, and soon to be moving on to further venues in the UK and US throughout 2013.
"Thankyou to Save the Congo team for their efforts and hard work....The turn out was fantastic with a wild mixture of people...Thank you team for your hard work and for having me. Well Done, I am so proud"
Sandra Gondora: Miss Congo UK 2012 Winner
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