We decided to have a chat with Sharini Samarakoon, one of our key volunteers at Empower Inc about her latest project. 

Hi Sharini! So what's "Dream, Act, Change" all about?

Dream, Act, Change is Charity Art Exhibition that will be supporting Empower Inc's project in Malawi. In addition, this event will be showcasing art in an eclectic range of forms from paintings and photography to music and dance.

It is also an opportunity for these upcoming artists to display their talents and for attendees to support the local arts scene.

What inspired you to organize this event?

Displaying my art has been a dream of mine since I was 8 years old, and yet it has taken 16 years for it to become a reality.

I think the title of the exhibition says it all! Beside it being the vision set out for Empower, it has become my own philosophy in life. This is… if you can dream it, then you are able to make it a reality.  However, the choice to do so relies on your passion, determination and commitment to see it through.

Humanity inspires me. To put it into perspective, witnessing the commitment of those in such challenging conditions towards transforming their lives is an inspiration. It lead me to realize that achieving my own potential is within my reach.

Do you see a role for art (in its various forms) in a community development context?

I do, and I hope to actually focus on this on a full time basis in the years to come. I am a huge fan of street art.  As artists express themselves with no price tag, but purely on being able to convey a message and allow the public to enjoy art instead of a privileged few.

I think the true beauty of art and the fact that there is such an appeal to it is because it is a universal expression of creativity and is so open to interpretation. We are all story tellers in some shape or form, and art is the platform which best displays this side of humanity. I feel self-expression is something that is so vitally important for everyone. It helps to builds confidence and inspires others.

This ability to build self confidenc,e I feel, is heightened in a community development context. I will be doing an art project with the kids in Malawi. Where I hope to enable them to express themselves and paint a mural on their school walls at Kapita Primary School. I’m very excited about it and hope the kids will thoroughly enjoy the process and be proud of their achievement. I feel that a visual testament to their journey as a community will be a powerful cohesive force.

The funding for this project will come from the donations provided by those attending the exhibition. I feel this is a very symbolic link!

What are your hopes for the event and what's next?!

First and foremost I hope who attend the exhibition thoroughly enjoy themselves! Second, I hope that all those performing and expressing themselves get the recognition they deserve. Personally I feel that just the process of having this exhibition has been thoroughly rewarding.