I Dream of Congo

“There is a need to dream that the three year old I walked with in the displaced camp, under the shadow of the volcano this morning, will have a safer, more stable and happier life than her mother and father. There is a need to dream, because without the dream, the future is unthinkable.” -Marcus Bleasdale

ART WORKS Projects was excited to guest curate the exhibit I Dream of Congo, produced by Congo Connect, a UK-based group of individuals who are working to raise hope for eastern Congo. Congo Connect’s exhibition I Dream of Congo: Narratives from the Great Lakes is a unique exhibition combining words and images from renowned international creatives alongside a groundbreaking exhibition of photos taken by women in eastern Congo. Contributors have all responded to the phrase ‘I Dream of Congo’ to create images and stories of their dream for the region. The installation includes large, printed images from photojournalists, panels of writing, and photographs and ‘dreams’ written by women living in eastern Congo (DRC).

Today, Congo (DRC) is faced with internal conflicts, a severe food crisis and the internal displacement of nearly 5.5 million people. Civilians are in danger of violence from armed groups and state military, despite martial law being imposed in certain provinces and military operations, civilians are not being protected from this violence. This exhibit is focused on the Great Lakes region of Congo, and today this region is plagued with violence and human rights violations. I Dream of Congo highlights the hopes and dreams that women have for their country, and can raise awareness about the current issues facing Congo (DRC).