Ondru: Lost and Found

Lost & Found
Event introducing Human Thesis: Afghan Stories – A project by Ondru Sculpture by Zsofia Samu & Photography by Shane Lam

Ondru is providing a voice to Afghan people who have been displaced by creating opportunities for them to connect with each other and the wider Australian community to foster feelings of inclusion and a sense of belonging.
Ondru is hosting an event that draws a specific focus on the Afghan community who have been displaced from their country due to war, violence and oppression.

The Ondru event titled, ‘Lost & Found’ will be at the Oratory, Abbotsford Convent, Abbotsford on Saturday, 11th March 2023, 6:30 pm. Entry is free although gold coin donations are welcome.

After years of developing the large-scale Voiceless journeys project, Ondru is continuing to share the enduring stories of displaced persons through innovative and interactive art projects. The Lost & Found event marks the first chapter in an ongoing work that serves to celebrate cultural diversity and raise awareness of the issues often faced by those who have been affected by displacement.

“We wanted to develop another project which shares stories and empowers people who have been displaced”, says desh Balasubramaniam, CEO and Founder of Ondru. “We believe diverse groups of people co-exist in Australia but do not necessarily enjoy a sense of community. This project provides a voice for displaced persons to share their powerful stories whilst creating a greater understanding of the struggles they face within our wider community”.

Ondru is working towards an evocative multidisciplinary art installation that will be exhibited in Melbourne CBD, entitled Human Thesis: Afghan Stories in late 2023. The project will produce a large installation combining wire-sculpture, photography, videography, digital art and performance art based on three fundamental principles co-developed with the community: Home, Freedom and Diversity of Experience. The first story and accompanying sculpture will be showcased at the Lost & Found event, while seeking further support and collaboration.

The Human Thesis: Afghan Stories is an empowering project that provides connection and a sense of belonging to those who have been displaced. The question we should all be asking is “how can we better support and empower those who have been displaced with our community”?

The Lost and Found event is an opportunity to continue the conversations around displacement, whilst enjoying live music by Perolas, performance by Kathleen Gonzalez & Sara de la Cerda and Q&A with participant Parwiz Rezaie that will inspire everyone who joins us!

Ondru is a Melbourne- based, non-profit, humanitarian organisation striving for a more connected, compassionate and equitable society. Through pioneering art projects, Ondru gives a voice to those often unheard. Each project invites deeper inquiry into issues of social injustice and with increased awareness, there’s a way to bring light to the areas of darkness.

Further information contact: +61 415 380 249 / mail@ondru.org /
https://www.ondru.org/events-index/lost-and-found-event1