This project, like many, began as just an idea. Like most ideas, this one changed and morphed, was deconstructed, re-molded and then morphed again, although its intention remained intact.
The idea was to bring together local artists to create artworks on 4x4 plywood pieces, and display them outside of the San Diego Convention Center for the unaccompanied migrant children, who had been housed there since April of 2021. The intention was to bring some color and joy to kids of all ages that were going through something no kid of any age should ever go through. So, a group of 7 local San Diego artists collected their plywoods and began creating their pieces. On June 24th, 2021, we set out to display the boards outside the Convention Center with hopes of the kids getting a glimpse of the pieces throughout the day.
After running into complications - for example, being told that there are no accessible windows for the children to see out of for security reasons - and being in constant contact with staff inside the convention center from South Bay Community Services, we were finally able to deliver each plywood inside to be displayed for the remaining week that the children would be housed there.
Due to strict security and sensitive regulations, we were unable to display them ourselves and did not get to witness the reactions of the boys and girls when they saw the artwork. We sincerely hope they were happy to see the art and, more importantly, felt that these pieces were created for them, and with them in mind.
This project was in no way a political statement, it was nothing more than an act of true kindness through art.
everyone belongs here art show flyer
The initial installation left a yearning to do more, to offer a public viewing of the seven works of art created for the kids at the Convention Center, and to further bring awareness to the situation. Thus, the project was extended to a one-day art exhibition and fundraiser held one month after. With the collaborative work from Luna Bloom, a local shop collective of artists, healers, and creatives on Logan Avenue, the seven plywood boards were displayed directly outside the shop. A call for art was put out and 15 local, brown artists submitted to participate in the outdoor exhibit. We decided to raise funds and awareness to a border justice organization, Armadillos: Ni Un Migrante Más through public donations and from artwork sales.
The title is a statement that follows the prominent topic of immigration, specifically the right to migrate, that is found throughout this project. From the act of kindness for the unaccompanied minors at the San Diego Convention Center, to raising funds and awareness for a border justice organization, to showcasing and giving space to local brown artists, this exhibition and overall project is a statement of belonging . All humans have a right to a sense of belonging, to safe migration, and to a space to express themselves. Everyone belongs here.
Though this project ended with the art exhibit, our efforts to support migrant lives and the organizations who help them have not. If this project inspired you in the slightest to help, please consider donating to Armadillos: Ni Un Migrante Más. They are an autonomous, all volunteer search and rescue team who do a majority of their work in the Arizona & Californian deserts (occupied Toronto O’odham & Kumeyaay land). Donations to Armadillos fund necessary supplies, equipment, and proper technology to better prepare them when doing search and rescues in remote areas.