Description
Global Alliance of Artists was founded by writer, Dina Rabadi, in 2006 who felt that creativity could be used not just to create literature and physical art, but could be applied to creatively solving social problems. Inspired by the role of artists in her mother’s country (the Czech Republic) and concerned about the turmoil going on in her birth region (the Middle East) as well as other countries in the world, Dina Rabadi approached Hanadi Abukhdeir, Imrana Khera and Andrea Harris who shared similar concerns about starting the Global Alliance of Artists. A few weeks later, the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago agreed to partner with GAA on their first event taking place during the Federal Reserve 2007 Money Smart Week. GAA was formed September 6, 2006 at the Fine Arts Building Gallery in Chicago, IL and later granted 501 (c) (3) status in the summer of 2007.
Throughout history and around the world, artists have had a key role in impacting society whether through changes in corrupt governments to improved workers’ rights to better living conditions for the poor. The Velvet Revolution of 1989 that took place in the former Czechoslovakia and was initiated by a group of artists including the playwright Vaclav Havel is one example.
Our world is suffering. War has broken out in many countries. AIDS is ravaging many countries. Women continue to be denied their basic rights. Minorities in communities throughout the world are threatened. Global warming and other environmental threats are continuing. Cultural standards in countries such as the United States are eroding. We believe one of the underdeveloped resources that can help correct some of these challenges is creativity--both that of the individual and society collectively.
Global Alliance of Artists is working to achieve its goals via these three methods:
