Students & Artists Fighting to End Human Slavery
How to... Guide to Making Your Own Anti-Trafficking Art Events

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Multi-Media Art Event

SAFEHS founder Fukushima collaborates/works with Women for Genuine Security, an International women's network. In 2007, the network held their international meeting in San Francisco, CA USA, Read Maikiko James thoughts on organizing this ambitious and successful multi-media event.

In planning "With These Voices" for Women For Genuine Security, I'll admit, things did get a little crazy every now and then. What got me through was a great group of people who were open and helping every step of the way, and also a few things we needed to ask ourselves in advance.

When planning for an international artistic event, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Who are/do you want to be your performers? Do they have specific language needs? Will you need interpreters for coordination or performance? Who might have access to these folks if you do not?
- Who is/do you want to be your audience? Do you need flyers, cards, a press release? What media would you like to publicize the event?
- What's your budget? Do you need to charge, and if so, how much to attend to make sure you have your bases covered? Is it an event for a cause? Could you get a grant for it?
- What are your technical needs? Sound, stage, lighting, time frame (artists often have special scheduling needs) - think about these things as far ahead as possible!
- And this might seem obvious, but will become very important as you get closer and closer to the event and the stress level may start to rise - Why are you doing this event? Who does it benefit? What message is going to be delivered and why is it important for people to know?

These questions will help keep you focused, and if you can manage to keep them in mind even when you have ten people asking you questions at once, odds are you'll pull off something fantastic!

Maikiko James
Artist/Activist/and occasional Event Coordinator

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