Kwentong Bayan: Labour of Love
Kwentong Bayan: Labour of Love
A comic book about the lives of Filipina migrant workers
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Place: Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) at 317 Dundas Street West, Seminar Room 1
Access: The AGO is wheelchair accessible
Childcare: Provided by the Hands-On Centre
Cost: Free event
Althea Balmes PHOTO: Haniely Pableo
Toronto-based artists, Althea Balmes and Jo SiMalaya Alcampo are creating a community comic book in collaboration with Filipina migrant workers in the Live-in Caregiver Program called, “Kwentong Bayan: Labour of Love”. In the Filipino language, “kwentong bayan” is the literal translation of “community stories”. The artists will present work-in-progress and caregivers will share real-life stories.
The Live-in Caregiver Program continues to be heavily contested and at the centre of many controversies. Many Canadians rely on this program to access affordable care for vulnerable members of their families.
Jo SiMalaya Alcampo PHOTO: Christine Balmes
Many Filipinas leave their own families and work abroad to cope with the unstable economy in the Philippines. This event acknowledges the work of caregivers in supporting Canadian families and the global economy
Please join us at this Mother’s Day event, as we celebrate migrant labour and community-based art that is rooted in love.
Presented by the Mayworks Festival of Working People and the Arts in partnership with the Art Gallery of Ontario. Co-sponsored by the Department of Equity Studies – York University,
Neighbourhood Arts Network, and Worker’s Action Centre. Reception at The East Gallery.
Mayworks Festival runs May 1 to 15, 2013. More info: www.mayworks.ca
(PRESS RELEASE)
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Project Description
Toronto-based artists, Althea Balmes and Jo SiMalaya Alcampo are creating a community comic book in collaboration with Filipina migrant workers in the Live-in Caregiver Program called “Kwentong Bayan: Labour of Love. In the Filipino language, “kwentong bayan” is the literal translation of “community stories” and our comic book project is rooted in love.
These are the stories that you don’t see in mainstream media. These are the stories that you won’t find in most academic papers or research studies. These are real-life stories of community and friendship, love and struggle, and women’s empowerment.
Comic Book creators meet with advocates for Filipina Migrant Workers
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