LatinaLista — This Friday, in honor of the Declaration of Independence a new declaration will be drafted at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago.
It will be called the Declaration of Immigration and it’s a new exhibit that focuses on the variety of viewpoints and experiences in attaining the American Dream that exist in immigrant communities across the country.
Over seventy artists from across the country participated in the exhibition which spans from July 4 – September 7.
The exhibit features not only striking visual images, some of which have become synonymous with the immigration debate, but also interactive elements such as an immigration symposium titled Sin Papeles (Without Papers) and featuring respected Latino panelists from Chicago and California; an immigration film series; various family educational workshops like a session where families share stories of their family’s background and a wall installation that will serve to represent the U.S.-Mexico border wall currently under construction and comparing it with the Berlin Wall.
Team Mex: Copa inmigración a.k.a. deport-a-mex foosball; Artists Juan & Ricardo Compean
(Source: National Museum of Mexican Art)
The exhibit kicks off on Friday, July 4 with a special “co-cultural” ceremony where Chinese Lion dancers will perform, along with, Mexican folkloric and traditional dancers. During this reception, Angie Moreno, director of public relations for the museum, tells Latina Lista that “some staff members will approach unsuspecting visitors and ask to see their identification, as part of an interactive project that is meant to help visitors experience firsthand some of the moments immigrants have endured, while struggling to come to this country in search of the American Dream.”
What is interesting to note about the exhibit is that it strives to present the unheard voices of all immigrants, regardless of citizenship status, and which are all too often disregarded in the national immigration debate on reforming the system.
Perhaps the Museum should create one more symposium — “Fixing the System — From those who lived through it.” What better way to fix what’s wrong with it than to include the voices of those who know firsthand what it will take to right the wrongs.
The Declaration of Immigration exhibit is open during museum hours from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Sueños Humedos/ Wet Dreams; Artist Juan Carlos MacÃas
(Source: National Museum of Mexican Art)
New art exhibit celebrates a “Declaration of Immigration”
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