Arts in Health South Africa: Linda and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington July 2012

What a wonderful adventure I have been on with the “Orphan Tower”! We were invited to attend the 46^th Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington DC and the Tower was part of the “Common Threads “exhibit which had pride of place on the National Mall.

It was the most amazing experience looking to the South and seeing the Washington Memorial and to the North, the Stately Capitol buildings- all on our front lawns!! An awe inspiring image I will remember forever! Flanked on both sides by the some of the most beautiful, interesting Museums in the world – we were in very impressive company!

The festival program included “The creativity in Crisis : Unfolding the AIDS Memorial Quilt”. It was a deeply moving looking out over the hundreds of quilts laid out every day, as memorials to those loved ones who had died of AIDS. For two weeks, we had the names of people who had succumbed to this disease, called out in their memory. The names echoed around the Mall, and thousands of names rang out for the entire two weeks of the show, a constant reminder of the devastating loss of life that AIDS has caused. We all took time to read a page of names, and it was a very humbling feeling acknowledging someone’s child, lover, friend or partner who had gone, but was not going to be forgotten.

The “Orphan Tower “ created huge interest. On seeing the Tower, visitors initial happy reactions were often jolted into shock, sadness or quiet contemplation, once it became evident that the bright little dolls represented orphans. We, in South Africa, have become almost numb to the staggering statistics but for the visitors it was shocking and disturbing.

The visitors loved to see Lobolile, and Beauty, as they created the beautiful dolls, and the children were thrilled to be included and allowed to bead their own little bracelets and necklaces, with the guidance of the two women. The products were so appreciated by everyone, and the Market place allowed for a steady flow of product sales throughout the exhibition.

One of the biggest challenges was the heat wave. The USA had not experienced such temperatures since 1895. The temperatures were over 40 degrees every day and the humiture was excessive. I had never experienced such intense weather before, and being outdoors all day was quite draining. Our fabulous volunteers kept the ice water flowing, and the copious liters of water kept us all hydrated. The best way to cool down was to spend lunch breaks wandering through air conditioned galleries. Just fabulous!

The heat buildup was so intense it had to break, and break it did! A hectic storm broke one night, and with the same intensity as a mini hurricane, it swept through the festival flattening all but one or two of the tents!!! The little orphan dolls were found scattered far and wide as the Tower had crashed down with the tent. Fortunately, the Barrow’s engineers had constructed a very sound structure, and we managed to patch it up as best we could. The festival was speedily built up again and the show could go on!

I have returned with precious memories! I met interesting people from all cultures. I spent wonderful times with the women from the Kesikamma project. They were such a great team to be part of. David Gere and his team from UCLA were hugely supportive and caring. His photographic workshop, “Through Positive Eyes “was inspiring and spending time with them all was very special. The highlight was the documentary filmed in the “Common Threads” exhibition Space. We were interviewed along with David Gere, and I believe the documentary will have many possibilities for viewing throughout the USA.

The Smithsonian team was incredible. Big thanks to Arlene and Emma and the whole team who supported and helped us all. Kurt and Marsha from Michigan State University were a huge part of the success of the festival and I am deeply grateful for all their help and care.

The “Orphan Tower “ went onto an exhibit at the World AIDS conference in Washington, and is now going to be travelling from Michigan State University Museum to other Universities around the US.