FAM (FILIPINO AMERICAN MUSEUM) TO LAUNCH ITS THIRD TYPHOON HAIYAN RELIEF FUNDRAISER

Reception and Exhibition: January 10, 2014, 6-9 pm at
Eleven Rivington, 195 Chrystie St., New York City

(New York, NY – December 20, 2013) FAM (Filipino American Museum) is pleased to present the third installment in a series of fundraisers for Typhoon Haiyan relief. Beginning on January 1, 2014, a benefit art auction organized by FAM and hosted on Paddle8 will launch, featuring works donated by over 30 artists. The auction will close on January 11 at 6 pm EST.

As relief efforts following the typhoon enter a second month, FAM continues to rally support for much-needed long-term recovery plans in the affected areas of the Philippines. The beneficiary of the auction will be the Women’s Refugee Commission (WRC), a global organization committed to short-term and long-term planning and relief for women and children affected by Typhoon Haiyan. The WRC is working to identify the most effective ways to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan reclaim their livelihoods and establish stable lives in the aftermath of the disaster. FAM supports WRC’s hands-on approach and long-range strategy and looks forward to working with this committed and inspiring organization. 

The organizing committee, brought together by FAM, is comprised of Filipino Americans in the arts: gallerist Augusto Arbizo; artists Avena Gallagher, Josh Kline, Paul Pfeiffer, Carissa Rodriguez and Jon Santos; and photographer Christelle de Castro.  

FAM is thankful to the diverse group of emerging and established American and international artists who swiftly responded to the benefit committee’s call to action by donating their artworks to support the survivors of the devastating typhoon. The artist list (in formation) includes: Becca Albee, Ei Arakawa, Anthony Castro, Paul Chan, Matt Connors, TM Davy, Michael DeLucia, Cheryl Donegan, Anne Eastman, Keltie Ferris, Nik Gambaroff, Josh Kline, Ajay Kurian, Margaret Lee, Jason Loebs, Michelle Lopez, Charles Mayton, Nick Mauss, Jessica Mein, Ken Okiishi, Virginia Overton, Andre Razo, Athena Robles, Carissa Rodriguez, Miljohn Ruperto, Jon Santos, Leanne Shapton, Mika Tajima, Grace Villamil, Amy Yao, Anicka Yi, Amy Lien & Enzo Camacho, Tobias Madison & Emanuel Rosetti.

FAM’s first benefit for Typhoon Haiyan relief, ‘Bayanihan Spirit’, took place at the Galapagos Art Space in November. It raised $11,000 for National Alliance for Filipino Concerns (NAFCON). The second benefit, an online holiday shop featuring items from today’s leading designers, is an ongoing campaign and will benefit LIFESAVER systems fund for the Philippines.

About Women’s Refugee Commission
The Women’s Refugee Commission has conducted extensive research on the positive long-term impacts of supporting livelihood activities in emergencies. Getting people back on their feet and linked to regular income is one of the most urgently needed and effective strategies towards lasting recovery. At the same time, having access to a safe livelihood reduces vulnerabilities and the risk of sexual violence and exploitation of women and older girls in particular.

With your donations, the Women’s Refugee Commission will focus on restoring livelihoods in a heavily damaged area of Samar. These activities will be centered on artisans whose production of woven and embroidered goods is purchased by a small company. Assistance to resume production would support the livelihood of 500+ families, help the local economy rebound and reduce the vulnerabilities and risks of trafficking, sexual violence and exploitation of hundreds of women and young girls.  

About FAM
FAM (Filipino American Museum) is the first museum focused on examining the connection between contemporary Filipino American arts and the roots and traditions of the Philippine diaspora. A startup committed to presenting cultural programs in stimulating and unprecedented ways, FAM is dedicated to seeking out what it is to be Filipino in America. In the spirit of a diverse people, FAM’s roving programs serve as a fluid, user-generated, inquiry-based space. An untold American story, FAM presents its findings through live performances, exhibits, installations, community forums, online content and otherwise.