Blacklisted for advocating pollution taxes and tougher environmental policies! Canadian artist makes the Harper Government mad
Jul 28th, 2011 7:16 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
TORONTO, July 28, 2011 - Canadian artist and author, Franke James, is the latest target of government censorship. The biggest opportunity in her life - a tour of 20 European cities showcasing her art and stories - has been put in jeopardy by interference and blacklisting from Canada's Harper Government.
What happened? Initially the show received enthusiastic responses from Canadian embassies in Europe, and a promise to help. But this support was suddenly cancelled by Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs in Ottawa, with the words, "Who was the idiot who approved an art show by that woman, Franke James?"
Adding insult to injury, Ottawa initiated an undercover campaign to discredit Franke and discourage the show's sponsors and venues. This interference has put the show at risk. On July 11th, the show's largest corporate sponsor suddenly cancelled its support and withdrew funding. The show's organizer, Nektarina Non Profit, a Croatian based NGO, is now missing the $75,000 it needs to make the show a success.
The stakes couldn't be higher for the woman who wrote
Bothered by My Green Conscience. The goal of the tour is to raise environmental awareness, and inspire teens to make their own climate change art. "This is an amazing project that Canadians should be really proud of." says Franke James. "We're visiting 20 countries, connecting with young people, and working to inspire them to do something great for the planet."
Franke says, "It was a real shocker to learn that I am blacklisted. And that none of the Canadian embassies wants anything to do with me - or the show. Not one embassy! They can't even offer me a handshake, which seems very strange and very ‘un-Canadian'."
To arrange an interview with Franke James please contact: Lisa Borden at Borden Communications. Tel: 416-484-6489 Email:
lisa@bordencom.com
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About Franke James:
James is a visual artist who writes and illustrates visual essays on environmental and social issues, Her art workshops on Six Tools for Climate Change Art have been inspirational to students and educators in Canada, the USA and abroad. Her 2008 visual essay, "Dear Prime Minister", advocated a carbon tax. Her 2009 visual essay, "Fat Cat Canada", calls for stronger environmental regulations on the Tar Sands.
Franke James is the author of the illustrated book, Bothered By My Green Conscience. She has received awards and support from Telefilm Canada, the Canada Council, the Ontario Arts Council, the Ontario Media Development Corporation, the Banff Centre, the Gairdner Foundation, Mount Allison University, the University of Victoria and others. She is a member of PEN Canada and the Writer's Union of Canada.
See:
www.frankejames.com
Follow Franke on Twitter:
twitter.com/frankejames
Support for Franke James:
"Franke James is among the tiny handful of really powerful and profound artists who have taken on climate change - the most important topic on the planet, but one so big and all-encompassing that it often defies artistic interpretation. Her work is incredibly important for many of us around the world." -
Bill McKibben, founder, 350.org
"Franke James' work is honest, powerful and funny. She has a rare ability to sweep past the polarization and complexity of critical issues and shine a stark spotlight without over simplifying. Her work is not be missed by anyone interested in climate change or the future of Canada!" -
Tzeporah Berman, Co-director Climate and Energy, Greenpeace International
"Artistic communicator par excellence, Franke James is a Canadian visionary and master of inspiration for lighting the passions around the epochal realms of our time. Her visual essays brilliantly pare the broad complexities of climate change down to a human scale narrative that resonates with the Canadian public." -
Toby A. A. Heaps, Editor-in-Chief, Corporate Knights Magazine
"Franke James is tackling a great Canadian Taboo with humour and culture - insisting Canadians must act on climate protection despite polluting profits from the tar sands. She should be celebrated and supported as a Canadian treasure - instead our diplomatic circles are told to blacklist her from Canadian international auspices. Artists, environmentalists and anyone who cares about Canada's reputation in the world should rise up to support Franke's efforts." -
Beatrice Olivastri, Friends of the Earth Canada
Contact: Lisa Borden at Borden Communications: 416-484-6489
lisa@bordencom.com
