US State Department's Arts Envoy connects people through border narratives

The collaborative project titled Border Narratives, implemented by the US Consulate General Kolkata in partnership with non-governmental organisation banglanatak dot com, will develop a series of community-based performances on shared experiences across borders, led by two artist envoys from Bond Street Theatre, New York.

India and Bangladesh share a 4,097 km long border, one that is prone to transnational crimes.

The project, which coincides with the global international campaign, 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, will have a special focus on stories of women across borders who have played an active role in dispute resolution, countering violence, access to justice, and fostering economic empowerment.

The workshop was held at the American Center, Kolkata from Nov 26 to Dec 8, 2018, followed by a series of performances in some of the border districts, educational institutions, the Indian Museum, and a grand finale at the American Center Kolkata on Dec 13.

Jamie Dragon, director of the American Center and the Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate General Kolkata, said: "Regional connectivity and cross border stability are a key focus of the US government in this region.

"Connectivity is about building ties among people, institutions, governments, states, and countries. It means making sure that borders are not barriers and art is a great medium to build connections and ties across borders among the people of India and Bangladesh."