Posted by Jake Anders on October 31st, 2011
Land Grabs
Since the food price spikes of 2008, wealthy companies have invested heavily in cheap agricultural land in poor countries, often for commercial use. But in many cases, the land sold is actually being used by poor families to grow food. These families are often forcibly evicted with little or no warning or compensation, and in many cases the land is either left idle by investors who know it will only grow in value, or used in ways that reduce food production. So it’s time for effective global rules to get land grabs under control – rules which ensure local communities see the benefits of investments and which help make sure that governments provide secure access to land for smallholder farmers, and especially women.
What can you do?
There have been major developments since we launched our land grabs report into evictions, some violent, in Uganda, where at least 22,500 people lost their homes and land and many have been left destitute.
Recently, members of the evicted community had reported feeling intimidated and harassed after questioning by workers from the New Forests Company (NFC). Since this action was launched, and thanks to pressure on NFC, we have now received assurance from the company that it will halt this questioning of community leaders and conduct an external investigation. We will continue to monitor the situation on the ground in order to confirm that this has happened.
However, we need to maintain pressure on the NFC to ensure that the external investigation results in justice for these vulnerable communities in Uganda. Send an email to the Chairman of NFC, Robert Devereux, demanding he take immediate action.
Click here to email the New Forests Company.
Posted by Jake Anders on October 4th, 2011
7th – 29th October 2011, Monday – Saturday 10am – 4pm, Oxfam Art Gallery, Salisbury Oxfam
Oil paintings from three series: Cathedral Light; Reflecting in Light; Treasured Toys.
This exhibition of oil paintings presents observations on the everyday fabric of our urban and rural environment. With the effects of light as a companion the series of works endeavour to show how our experience of the structures around us are very much part of our sense of place.
The exhibition is also part of the Salisbury Art Trail, which you can find out more about here! As part of the Art Trail you can also Meet the Artist on Thursday 13th and Saturday 15th October.
Find out more information about Brian Hodgson at his website: www.brianhodgson-art.com
Posted by Jake Anders on September 8th, 2011
We look forward to welcoming you to our new Exhibition that will be open 10am-4pm, Monday-Saturday from Friday 9th September until Saturday 1st October.
Zoe Snelson, a recent graduate of the Art’s University College,at Bournemouth is holding her first solo Exhibition at the Salisbury Oxfam Art Gallery.
Entitled “Movement” her sculptures, paintings & drawings are inspired by the poem “The Third Body” by Robert Bly.
Posted by Jake Anders on September 1st, 2011
Remember back in February when we said this?
For one month only, the nice people at PayPal are paying our running costs, so 100% of your money goes directly to fighting poverty.
Well, we were wrong… it wasn’t one month only, because they’re doing it again!
If you can’t remember what it was all about, take a look at our story from the time… here! Mind you it’s pretty simple:
This September, PayPal are covering all of Oxfam’s admin costs on all donations made through PayPal. 100% brilliant
We always keep our admin costs low, but some – paying bills, stocking the stationery cupboard and doing the paperwork – are an unavoidable and essential part of our work.
This September, though, PayPal have got them covered. So every penny of your donation will go on life-changing work. Like helping farmers in Bolivia earn a better living. Or ensuring communities in Cambodia always have safe water to drink.
But what it definitely won’t do is pay for those essential-but-less-inspiring things like staples or stamps. So you can be 100% certain you’re changing lives.
What’s more, you can make this special offer last beyond September – by setting up a regular gift PayPal will pay the admin costs for every donation every month for a year!
What can I do?
Posted by Jake Anders on August 1st, 2011
Salisbury Oxfam Art Gallery, throughout August, 10am – 4pm Monday – Saturday
Which is more important, the art or the intention of the artist? Æther is an intriguing exhibition that explores this concept. The five emerging artists involved; Richard Eveleigh, Zoe Snelson Sarah Sanger, Emma Devonald and Martin Billingham aim to challenge established notions of contemporary art (The term Æther identifies with the ‘mismatch’ that can occur between the physical appearance of art and its conceptual meaning).
Art on display will include painting, photography and sculpture. Richard’s paintings are visually striking due to the vivid colours he employs. Some of his most recent work is highly varnished making it reflective, causing the viewer to become aware of their presence whilst viewing the art. Martin’s photography is created using chemical deterioration. His aim is to represent the organic nature of memory and the sensation of trying but failing to recapture a memory. As is standard for exhibitions at the gallery, 25% of proceeds from sales will be donated to Oxfam. A further 20% will also be donated to the ‘Stars Appeal’ in aide of Salisbury District Hospital. Entry to the exhibition is free.
“This will be the fourth time that I have exhibited at the Oxfam Gallery in Salisbury and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming show.”
It has been an honour to have have been associated with such a brilliant young man and Artist and we look forward to hosting many more of his Exhibitions in the future.
Joining Richard will be Emma Devonald, also originally from Salisbury, is a costume designer by trade and has worked on numerous stage and television productions including the BBC adaptation of ‘Cranford’ and the musical ‘Wicked’ at The Apollo Victoria Theatre in London.
Sarah Sanger, from Slough, will be graduating from the Arts University College at Bournemouth this summer. In 2010, Sarah took part in the Larmer Tree Festival by exhibiting a large sculpture/installation piece.
Land Grabs
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