Celebrating Independence through Art and Activism
In 2014, people around the world will celebrate the Independence Days of 59 countries through a series of simply executed celebrations that convey a great appreciation for cultures other than their own. It is part of a community based project created by artists and activists Heather Layton and Brian Bailey ‘09W (PhD). Layton, an artist and senior lecturer in Art and Art History at the University of Rochester, and Bailey, associate professor of Adolescence Education at Nazareth College, have a long history of creating socially engaging art that benefits the community. ON VIDEO: Heather Layton and Brian Bailey discuss the 59 Days of Independence project. Through their latest project, 59 Days of Independence, they are inviting people of all ages, professions, and nationalities to celebrate the independence days of 59 countries that gained freedom from British colonization. So far, the grassroots effort has grabbed the attention of people on six continents who have participated in more than 30 celebrations, including a city-wide poetry contest, flying flags, elementary school sporting events, and calls to prayer.“By recognizing someone else’s independence, you’re showing that you care about his or her well-being in the same way you care about your own,” says Layton, who adds that the idea behind the project is to promote “freedom for all, not just for me.” Layton and Bailey see the project as a stance against colonization in all forms, including that which is based upon race, class, religion, gender, and nationality. Their previous projects include Home Drone, a multimedia exhibit that challenged the U.S. government’s drone program. “You don’t have to be an artist to participate and no act is too great or too small,” says Bailey. “Whether it’s wearing another country’s colors to work or taking time out to cook a traditional meal from another country.” According to Bailey, plans are currently underway for celebrations like a dart tournament in Nagaland in honor of Egypt, and an arts festival in Fullerton, California, in honor of Pakistan. As of July 1, 40 of the 59 independence days, including the U.S., Canada, Egypt, and Pakistan have yet to take place. And there’s no limit as to how many people can celebrate a country. In 2012, Layton and Bailey were named “citizen diplomats” by the U.S. Department of State for their body of work, which includes art installations designed to challenge assumptions about urban gun violence, fear of other cultures, and the prevalence of consumer culture. Right now they are continuing to spread the word and are looking for more people to take part in the project. Celebrations began in January of this year and will continue through December 2014. To participate, read the guidelines accompanying the adjacent list of countries. Contact Layton or Bailey with questions or for more information.
Join in! Pick a country (not your own), plan any type of celebration for that country on its Independence Day, and document it on the project’s Facebook page.