Things book and things Antiguan and Barbudan ping my radar so my radar went ping ping when I came across Environmental Justice as a Civil Right. I reached out to one of the listed contributors for information.
“…unclear…is it a book? A magazine? What is it exactly and where is it available for what purpose? Who published it, when, where? I hadn’t heard about it so I’m curious… I thought if it was a book-book I’d add it to the bibliography I maintain on the Wadadli Pen blog.”
“Its a book book…but one of those that are collections of written works…Its called National Pavilion of Antigua and Barbuda Environmental Justice as a Civil Right…I think the best way to describe it is a written exhibition.”
I did some more research then sat on it for a while trying to figure out how to share it in this space. As a written exhibition, it didn’t seem appropriate for the Antiguan and Barbudan Writings page. At the same time it was a publication … of sorts. I’m still a bit unclar and plenty undecided but it is a thing Antiguan and Barbudan and literary so I’m sharing it in its own post.
On the project’s facebook page entitled Antigua Barbuda Venice, it’s described as “an investigation into the acute crisis of climate change facing this island nation, cutting edge sustainability and unique partnerships are explored in rebuilding Barbuda, expanding the Botanical Gardens, and the Government House Restoration Initiative, included in the 2018 World Monuments Fund Watch.”
The Antigua Barbuda Venice web page, meanwhile, further explains that Environmental Justice as a Civil Right is the focus (?) of the ‘Pavilion of Antigua and Barbuda At the 16th International Architecture Exhibition La Biennale di Venezia’. Quoting from the statement/explanation related to this: “Following the theme of FREESPACE, Antigua and Barbuda’s inaugural National Pavillion for La Biennale Architectura explores environmental justice as a civil right. As an investigation into the acute crisis of climate change facing this island nation, cutting edge sustainability and unique partnerships are explored in the rebuilding of Barbuda, expanding the Botanical Gardens, and the restoration of Government House, included in the World Monuments Fund Watch 2018. Video excerpts of conversations among high school students from the islands of Antigua, Barbuda, New York City, and Venice are uploaded to our National Pavilion, culminating in a robust youth presentation regarding Mother Nature vs. Human Intervention.”
I’m sharing this in part because it’s odd to me that I haven’t read about it in local media – but perhaps I missed it (no snark; that’s possible). One of the reasons this is confusing to me, though, is the use of the word inaugural since Antigua and Barbuda’s participation in La Biennale di Venezia in 2017 was covered here on the site. I truly wish that there was more coverage here at home so this could be clearer to me and I wish I had time to do proper reporting on this but alas, but I’m happy to pass on the information albeit with some cloudiness.
Storm in a Blue Sky by Frank Walter/https://www.antiguabarbudavenice.com
The project includes the art work of Frank Walter who was the focus of our participation last year – there’s a book, a collection of his work, an epic size collection that you can actually flip through if you have some time at the Best of Books. Barbara Paca seems to be the one behind the book and our participation in these biennales. In terms of the contributors and collaborators, it really is too numerous to mention though they are all listed on the website. This runs to November 28th…so if you happen to be in Italy.
As with all content on wadadlipen.wordpress.com, except otherwise noted, this is written by Joanne C. Hillhouse (author of The Boy from Willow Bend, Dancing Nude in the Moonlight 10th Anniversary Edition and Other Writings, Musical Youth, With Grace, Lost! A Caribbean Sea Adventure, and Oh Gad!). All Rights Reserved. If you enjoyed it, check out my page on Amazon, WordPress, and/or Facebook, and help spread the word about Wadadli Pen, my books, and my freelance writing-editing-coaching-workshop services. You can also subscribe to the site to keep up with future updates. Thanks.
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