LOS ANGELES, March 26, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Amnesty International and The City of West Hollywood will present "Cabildo is Coming," the first Los Angeles art exhibition featuring paintings and sculptures from Cuban artists-in-exile. "Cabildo is Coming" will be on display April 1 through 5 at the A&D Museum in West Hollywood, and commemorates the one-year anniversary of the crackdown on dissent when 75 Cubans were arrested for the non-violent expression of their beliefs.
The exhibition will feature the work of renowned artists Viredo Espinoza, Haydee, Sahara and Michael Scull, Lazaro Amaral, Eduardo Estrada, Eduardo Funes and Leandro Soto. The documentary "El Presidio" by Rafael Lima will also be presented. "This project will celebrate not only the beauty of Cuban art and culture, but also the importance of protecting and promoting freedom of expression around the world -- a core part of Amnesty International's mission," said Bonnie Abaunza, Director of Artists for Amnesty. "Art -- like all non-violent expression -- is an integral aspect of human rights."
The City of West Hollywood and Amnesty International USA aim to raise public awareness and educate the Southern California community about conditions in Cuba, including last year's disturbing arrests. Those now in prison from that crackdown include journalists, human rights activists, owners of private libraries and members of banned pro-democratic political parties. They now face terms of between 5 and 28 years in prison, including Marcelo Lopez Banobre, a human rights defender with no past convictions, who was sentenced in April 2003 to 15 years in prison. In addition to non-violent protest, Banobre was also charged with sending information to Amnesty International regarding conditions in Cuba.
West Hollywood was the first city in the United States to issue a Proclamation in support of the release of the prisoners. "Freedom, equality, and human rights, are among the core values of the West Hollywood community," said West Hollywood City Councilmember John Heilman. "It's important that we stand with those who suffer the loss of their rights, and we are proud to partner with Amnesty International in this exhibition."
The opening night reception is free, by invitation only. The remaining days of the exhibition are free and open to the public.
WHO: Amnesty International, City of West Hollywood, former Cuban
political prisoner Fernando Marquet, artists, celebrities
and others.
WHAT: "Cabildo is Coming: A Celebration of Cuban Art and Culture"
(Opening Reception)
WHEN: Thursday, April 1, 7:00 pm
WHERE: Architecture and Design Museum, 8650 West Sunset Blvd,
West Hollywood
RSVP: Required. 310-815-0450. Free.