Art exhibit seeks to break down language barriers with auction to support interpreting services

An art exhibition and auction in London is seeking to raise awareness and support for people who face language barriers in accessing essential services.

Art Speaks: Bridging Cultures is a first-of-its-kind partnership between Embassy Cultural House and Across Languages, a non-profit organization that provides interpreting and translation services in the London community. More than 50 works of art are on display at the TAP Centre for Creativity, from artists with diverse backgrounds and styles. Proceeds from the auction will be split between the two organizations, as well as the artists themselves. 

Anna Hendrikx, the executive director of Across Languages, said they’re putting the proceeds toward its Community Interpreter Access program. The program provides free services for people in emergency situations, such as medical appointments, legal proceedings, or immigration issues.

“In all those kinds of situations, we English speakers will take it for granted that we understand the other party 100 per cent and can answer the questions with ease,” she said. 

The program is primarily funded by United Way, but the need for interpreting services is growing yearly and funding is limited, Hendrikx said. Last year, Across Languages received — and completed — over 45,000 requests, she explained, and these proceeds would help them fill in the gaps and ensure no one goes without an interpreter when they need one.

The intersection between art and language is a significant theme of the event and the collection. One of the co-founders of Embassy Cultural House, Jamelie Hassan, has a few pieces of her own in the collection, including a glass tile interpretation of a sign notably carried by Swedish activist, Greta Thunberg.

Art, itself, is a language, Hassan said—it’s a way of speaking with depth to certain issues, and it can be interpreted, she added.

As someone who works in interpreting, Hendrikx agreed that art and language are complimentary. By pairing the two, she added, this will be a very unique and powerful way to support and raise awareness for accessible interpreting services needed in the community.

“We hope to celebrate the many ways art transcends barriers and builds understanding across different languages and dialects,” she said. 

The art is on display at the TAP Centre on Dundas Street with the online silent auction closing on Sunday. An appreciation event is being held on Thursday evening to recognize the artists and organizations involved, and is open to all community members.