2008 TreasurePostcards Project

This initiative draws on the use of visual arts to provoke thinking, conversation, and action around issues such as women's economic and political rights, maternal health, HIV/AIDS, illiteracy, gender disparities in education, and violence against women. The vivid, diverse, and multi-media postcard artworks were installed together as the TreasurePostcards' 08 exhibit (held in the United States). The reception and silent auction was followed by a "gallery talk" and a presentation/panel highlighting some of the artwork, artists, and their stories in a slideshow. The panel session gave an opportunity for local female artists to talk about their experiences and creative social efforts. (This is also part of the project's effort to help create visibility for both professional and emerging female artists from around the world).

All donated artworks of the TreasurePostcards'08 Projects are for sale to raise funds for charity. A printed catalogue (also available in PDF format) offers imagery of the artwork, as well as artists' statements/stories. For example, Adriana Woll, who "expresses herself in the re-tropicalismo style, looking back at tropicalismo, a 1960s cultural movement in Brazil" has created 3 pieces for this project, including one showing one foot in a shoe, and one foot bare. Called "Carol não voltará mais sozinha do colégio (Carol won't go home again by herself, after college)", it "underscores the lack of security for female students. Many young women in Brazil can only take classes after work. If they can't find a ride home, they may not take any classes at all, for fear of being raped and murdered. This is how Carol died." Proceeds from the sale of these pieces of art were donated to 2 United States' shelters that house homeless women and women who have been victims of abuse and assault, as well as to a foundation working to help girls and women in Sierra Leone.

Women, Rights.

The theme recognised by the United Nations for the 2008 IWD was "investing in girls and women" — changing the practices and mindsets that discriminate against women and prevent them from participating in and benefiting from the economies and societies in which they live. According to organisers, "The idea is that saying no to violence and investing in women and girls will help further economic growth and advance development in any area!"