For Immediate Release
Grand Rapids, MI – September, 2015 – Women At Risk, International will be hosting a movie premiere on Tuesday, September 15, at the Grand Rapids Public Museum from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with ArtPrize artist, Pamela Alderman. The film, based on the exhibit “The Scarlet Cord” will premiere following a panel discussion around modern day human trafficking. Those visiting the GRPM for the film and program may pre register at warinternational.org. Admission is $5.00. Tickets will also be available at the door.
At ArtPrize 2014, Alderman displayed her piece, The Scarlet Cord through a partnership with WAR, Int’l, in hopes of raising awareness of human trafficking in the United States. Through that same partnership, community members will have the opportunity to learn about the face of human trafficking in West Michigan at this program on September 15.
This event will feature a panel that will include Pamela Alderman, WAR, Int’l president, Becky McDonald, author of “A Vulnerable World” and communication specialist at Acton Institute, Elise Hilton, Senator Judy Emmons, and Vanessa, a trafficking survivor. There will be a panel discussion followed by an opportunity for guests to ask questions and interact with the panel. After the panel discussion is completed The Scarlet Cord will be premiered.
This video features the reactions of those who walked through Alderman’s art installation during the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoenix. Through this piece, Alderman met trafficking and sexual abuse survivors who also shared their reactions as they experienced her art. This touching film also features human trafficking statistics and information on the horrors many children in America face.
The event will conclude with volunteers tying the infamous scarlet cords on the wrists of those in attendance as an ever-present reminder of the pain those engulfed in human trafficking experience each and every day.
Please note that this program and film may include content that could be disturbing.
For more information, please contact:
Women At Risk, International
(616) 855-0796
www.warinternational.org
About Women At Risk, International
WAR, Int’l is a non-profit organization that works in over 40 countries addressing 14 risk issues. The purpose of WAR, Int’l is to create circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children through culturally sensitive, sustainable projects and partnerships. WAR, Int’l has a passion for giving a voice to the silenced cries of the oppressed while wrapping arms of love around them, and empowering them to live with hope and dignity.
About The Scarlet Cord
The Scarlet Cord is an award-winning art exhibit aimed at raising awareness of child sex trafficking. The unique art exhibit is housed in a 40-foot storage container that includes thirty weathered doors with portraits bound by a twisted scarlet cord. Artist Pamela Alderman’s motivation for creating The Scarlet Cord installation and video was to inspire healing for sex-trafficked children. To schedule an exhibit or video showing, contact the artist at www.watercolorbypamela.com.
