OLA arts

From CloudPad

Within just a few years, the latino immigrant population of Southampton and surrounding towns has grown exponentially. A not-for-profit group OLA has arisen to attempt to address the concerns and needs of this growing population under the direction of Isabel Sepulveda.

Isabel has just launched a new local bilingual newspaper this year and plans are to create additional ESL classes and computer classes.

I am brainstorming 'OLA Arts' as a possible way to combine creative recreational workshops here with sustainable development projects in the countries where the immigrants are from.

Initially 'OLA Arts' can be introduced as a weekly recreational gathering for immigrants in Southampton who do have some sort of traditional art skill (weaving, embroidery) to gather in solidarity, teach and create together and take pride in it. In our society, most immigrants are automatically entering the cleaning service field, food service or daylabor (construction and/or field work), and artistic skills like these vanish with deprioritization. A room or center should be donated by the town for this purpose- (perhaps at the Southampton Cultural Center?). The workshop/gatherings should be run by the women themselves, only facilitated by OLA.

An OLA craftsfair can be held (every 2 months or so?)at which traditional arts and crafts are presented and sold, including those made at the women's meetings. Proceeds would benefit the women with a small portion donated to OLA. At this point I feel there would be a desire to import items from family members and friends in their home countries and this should be encouraged/facilitated. I visualize a narrowing down of products to those which would likely sell best here...and a gradually evolving line of 'new products' utilizing ancient skills. (this is where I'd feel best able to help, with a background in design and retail/market trends). OLA volunteers (myself included) would help with the marketing and branding/awareness of these products and the evolving organization.

Ideally I see this as creating 'OLA Arts Circles' (Fair Trade Cooperatives) in each of the hometowns where the immigrants are from. Grant funding may be possible for organization of the groups and shipping. A website would then be built for info and direct sales.

Solar Gallery (Latin American Art and Design) may be able to showcase an area of OLA arts products with accompanying information, as well as the Parrish Museum Gift Shop and various other venues.

Working Models:

Alternative idea : CoopaCraft International

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