"I HAVE A DREAM", 50 YEARS AFTER MARTIN LUTHER KING'S SPEECH
MLK 50: AN EXCLUSIVE EXHIBITION BY
THE ROUND TABLE ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH
PRESENTED AT THE PLACE DES ARTS FROM FEBRUARY 5TH TO 18TH, 2013
Montreal, January 21st, 2013 – "I Have a Dream", four symbolic words that have marked
our collective imagination. Black History Month commemorates the 50 years since Martin
Luther King's famous speech – a turning point in the civil rights of Black communities –
with MLK 50, in collaboration with TD Canada Trust, the American Consulate and Société
Radio-Canada.
It's a unique exhibit where six artists have been invited to revisit and reinterpret the famous
1963 "I Have a Dream" speech, through their own eyes and their own experiences. What
has become of Dr. King's dream? How do his ideas manifest themselves in the context of
today? Carolyn Jean Martin, Stacey Tyrell, Jamel Shabazz, Anna Jane McIntyre, Daniel Iregui
and Helmer will explore these concepts through a variety of means of expression, including
sculpture, photography, painting, and multidisciplinary techniques. An out-of-the-ordinary
creative experience!
Through the work of Steve Smith, the visitor will be transported to the height of the
movement initiated by Pastor King, which went well beyond the fight against racial
segregation. A journalist, human rights advocate and academic specialized in the civil rights
movement, Steve Smith recently completed his master's thesis To end war and poverty: The
media strategy of Martin Luther King, Jr. from January 1, 1967, to April 4, 1968. That work
contains revolutionary analysis of the strategic use Dr. King made of the media during the
last 16 months of his life – a period during which he sought to reach the most people
possible in order to receive their support in his fight against war in Vietnam and poverty.
A series of archival photographs will also be on display during the show to shed light on
the historical context of the civil rights movement in the U.S., most notably featuring the
pictures archives of photographer Max Sheller and the Library of Congress.
Virtual Art
Curators Karl-André St-Victor and Vanessa Vaughan gave a refined artistic and graphic
dimension to the project. The poster, displaying King's profile over the contents of his
entire speech, is a work of art in itself! Accessible contemporary art; MLK50 has a virtual life
of its own. The www.MLK50.ca website offers visitors an interactive experience allowing
them to discover this captivating exhibition from behind their screens. Plus, people will also
be able to share their thoughts through social networks.
Opening on February 5th, 2013
Until February 18th, 2013, at Espace culturel Georges Emile Lapalme (Place des Arts)
To find out all about the complete schedule for Black History Month, visit our website:
www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com.
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Source: Groupe Style Communications
Carla Beauvais
carla@gstylecommunications.com
For more information or for all interview requests, please contact:
Danny Payne
514.621.8657
danny.payne@gstylecommunications.com