NEWS/LETTER
Nov 24, 2024
And we go on
Amid a year of so many global and national struggles and violence, it can be hard to find light that still shines. But if you look and listen, you’ll see that there are people working tirelessly to support others - and have been for decades. This work is all around us - at your local unhoused shelter, food bank, women’s clinics, library, mutual aid network, or community center. Volunteers and often underpaid staff remain dedicated to making life a little more manageable for others. This is where light persists. Our national and global terrors may feel paralyzing but take a look around your neighborhood and town, there are many ways you can support work that goes on and on, no matter who is in power or how dire the resources are. Find your space to contribute or show up, however small, because it all matters in the resistance.
As with any year, it's important to acknowledge and celebrate the wins even in the midst of a crisis. For Lohar Projects that “win” has been community. The work of building, sustaining and developing communities across geographies has been at the center of this year’s practice. In 2024, Lohar Projects:
- Brought together an incredible national team to work on agency projects
- Returned to community at Pocoapoco (Oaxaca, MX) to teach
- Travelled to Thailand to organize The Flaherty’s 69th Film Seminar with the Thai Film Archive
- Spent one-on-one time with artists from Creative Capital, NEW INC, and the Print Center NY
- Attended a retreat with the South Asian Feminist Futures group at MASS MOCA, connecting with artists, writers, curators and leaders of shared diasporas
- Worked closely with the teams at Eyebeam and The Clemente on organizational initiatives (internal and external)
As Lohar Projects develops over the next years, I am excited about the possibilities to support artists, creative expression and forward equitable organizational development with this expanding network. I look forward to sharing more about the shape of the year ahead soon and in the meantime, also welcome conversations about new projects or initiatives for 2025.
I’ll end with sharing a few titles written by some amazing women that have made this year feel a little richer. Maybe one of them will speak to you as well.
I Do Everything I’m Told (poetry) by Meg Fernandes
Instructions for Banno (poetry) by Kiran Bath
Imperfect Solidarities (nonfiction) by Aruna D’Souza
My Vietnam, Your Vietnam (memoir) by Christina Vo and Nghia M. Vo (Christina’s father)
I hope the end of this year brings you some ease and care as we go on together.
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