FREE Multicultural Festival Focuses on International Gifts, Entertainment & Food Gives Developing World Artisans Critical Access to Global Markets
Celebrate global connections at the sixth annual Helping Hands Festival IN HISTORIC MERIDIAN PARK on Saturday, November 8th from 10:30am to 4pm at St. Richard’s School located at 33 East 33rd St. This FREE festival is a feast for the senses, full of unique handcrafted treasures from around the globe. It showcases a wide price range of items made by artisans groups in developing countries who need a market for their work and are not associated with a large fair trade network. All merchandise for sale at the Helping Hands Festival directly benefits these artisans and producers who struggle to meet their most basic needs. Local nonprofit groups such as churches and service organizations will display and sell the work of groups from Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, and more. Dance and music performers will provide entertainment, and international food will be available for sale. Youth-oriented activities will be included so bring the entire family.
For those interested in visual media, the day kicks off at 9:30am with a special presentation and conversation with international documentary photographer Ida Benedetto. Learn first-hand from her experiences of connecting Fair Trade farmers in Guatemala and India through postcards and pictures as Benedetto previews her special exhibit entitled “Fair Trade: Postcards in Solidarity.” Exhibit goers will see how these two distinct communities who speak different languages, live on different continents, and practice different religions, discovered they have more in common than ever imagined. Visitors will learn how these communities put violent struggles behind them and now utilize Fair Trade business relationships as the means by which they fight for justice in their lives.
A part of Indy’s Spirit and Place Festival, the Helping Hands Festival is presented by Global Gifts, St. Richard’s School, and The Indianapolis Area Private School Diversity Consortium. For more information or to see a preview of Ms. Benedetto’s work, visit www.GlobalGiftsIndy.com or call 317.917.1836.