Diary for 18th June to 24th June 2009

Thursday 18th June- Knowing me, Knowing you...

Running until the 22nd July is a free art exhibition celebrating 150 years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Japan. The exhibition is being held at the Japanese Embassy and forms part of a series of events that commemorates the political relationship between the two nations. The artwork has been submitted by members of the Japan Society, the leading body in the UK dedicated to enhancing cross cultural understanding and fostering relationships in business and education. Admission is free but photo ID is necessary to gain entry into the Embassy. For more information about the exhibit call 020 7465 6589.



Friday 19th June- Meaning and Dance in Indonesia

Today I am heading to the British Museum to watch some free ethnographic films about dancing in Indonesia. The event forms part of a series of activities the museum has run in connection to the current exhibition on the Gamelan (an ensemble of musical instruments) from Java. From 14:30pm- 16:20pm two films will be shown in the Stevenson Lecture Theatre: The Dancer and the Dance, and Tayuban: Dancing the Spirit in Java. Both films have been directed by anthropologist Felicia Hughes-Freeland. The first film explores the intricacies of Javanese palace dancing. The second film, explores a ritual that is held once a year in a Javanese village where male and female dynamics are expressed in a particular way that encourages community identity through dancing. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A session with Felicia. Admission is free but booking is advised. To book your free place visit this website. Both films are distributed by the Royal Anthropological Institute's Film Department. For more information email: film@therai.org.uk


Saturday 20th June- Youth Producing Change

Today I am heading to the Walter Reade Theatre to watch films amde by youth around the world, showing their perspectives on human rights and their visions of change. The event is presented by the Human Rights Watch in collaboration with Adobe Youth Voices, and forms part of the Human Rights Watch International film festival. The film screenings start at 2pm. For a detailed listing of the films as well as ticket prices, take a look here.




Sunday 21st June- Feasting on Street Food

Al Jazeera is an Arabic language news network, which has an English chapter whose headquarters are in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Recently Al Jazeera has produced some fantastic documentary short films on street food around the world. From street food in Mumbai to San Sebastian, or Brick Lane in London, the films demonstrate the connection between culture, food, community and identity. "Street food is more than a cheap source of nourishment. It tells stories of shifting populations, trade connections and evolving identities. Key ingredients proclaim a melting pot of cultures, while culinary customs and techniques give a place its individuality". All the films are available for you to watch on youtube. To find out more and watch a few clips, visit this website.


Monday 22nd June- Art from Ghana

A new exhibition will be opening on the 2nd of July at the October Gallery which will show the work of Ablade Glover, one of Ghana's foremost painters. Trained in Ghana, Britain and the United States, Glover has gained international reputation as both artist and educator. The exhibition will demonstrate his lifelong passion for life, activity and colour and his willingness to show the vast variety of livelihoods and existence in Africa. For more information about the exhibit and the artist himself, take a look here.





Tuesday 23rd June- Waiting for Harry

As part of the run up to the 11th RAI International Festival of Ethnographic Film, taking place on the 1st-4th of July in Leeds, a series of film screenings is being held at the Hyde Park Picture House. Most are award winning films from previous RAI film festivals, and have reached international appeal. Tonight's film is called Waiting For Harry. Produced by anthropologist Les Hiatt and fim-maker Kim McKenzie, the film explores one man's crucial role in a mortuary ritual of the Anbarra people of Northern Australia, and the interactions, dilemmas and consequences that happen when Harry is nowhere to be found. The screening starts at 6:30pm. For more information and to book visit this website.




Wednesday 24th June- International Essay Contest for Young People

Enter an essay and you could win a trip to Japan and $1000! The Goi Peace Foundation in collaboration with UNESCO, has organised an international essay competition for young people. The theme of the competition is ' The role of science in building a better world'. Young people (anyone up to 25 years old) are asked to submit innovative ideas of how they think that scientific and technological advances can be used to realise a more equitable and sustainable world. Essays must be 800 words or less, and can be in submitted in various languages: English, French, Spanish or German. The deadline for submissions is the 30th of June. For more information about the contest guidelines and specification visit this website. Good Luck and Gambare!