Panel Discussion: Myanmar's Voices for Freedom
Better Burma is pleased to announce that we will be co-hosting our very first panel discussion this month, entitled “Myanmar’s Voices for Freedom!”
Partnering with One Light Global, we will be bringing together five dynamic Burmese nationals, each resisting the military regime in Myanmar in their own unique way. Discussion topics will include the Rohingya crisis and a look into other marginalized groups and ethnic minorities, gender equality and LGBT+ rights, the role of the international community, how allies can rally behind to support the democracy movement, Burmese Buddhism and the practice of meditation, and how art and creative expression have been used to resist military tyranny. We hope you can join us for this special event!
The panel is made up of the following guests. Each has appeared previously on Insight Myanmar Podcast, where you can listen to their full interviews to learn more about them.
Linn Thant : Currently the European Representative of the National Unity Government (NUG), Linn Thant has dedicated his life to bringing democracy and human rights to Myanmar. His work earned him a 20-year prison sentence, eight of them on Death Row, and he credits his survival amid those brutal conditions to his meditation practice. Linn Thant is now leading the resistance effort the Burmese military.
Thiri : A researcher, fixer and documentary producer based in Myanmar, Thiri has worked as a freelance consultant for international Human Rights organizations and media outlets. She reports, documents and advocates about the on-going conflict in Myanmar, as well as on political, social and economic issues.
Bart Was Not Here : Growing up as a Muslim under an authoritarian Buddhist regime, Bart was frustrated by a school system corrupted by propaganda, and the inability of non-Buddhists to assimilate into the traditional Burmese culture. Access to American Pop Culture such as Hip Hop, through movies, cartoons, comic books, novels and magazines found in Burmese bootleg markets, provided him a lens to the alternative outside world. His artwork has animated the revolution since the earliest days.
Ma Thida: A Burmese surgeon, writer, human rights activist and former prisoner of conscience, she is best known as a leading intellectual whose books deal with the country’s political situation. Ma Thida was elected recently chair of the Writer in Prison committee of PEN International, has been a visiting research associate at Yale University, and is currently a Fellow at the Martin-Roth Initiative in Berlin.
Pyae Phyo Kyaw: A medical doctor from Magway, Pyae Phyo Kyaw came out as gay in 2017, and has become a prominent LGBT+ voice in Myanmar. Shortly after the coup, and joined by his partner, Dr. Aung Soe Tun, he set up a mobile medical clinic in Karenni State. Pyae Phyo Kyaw was a recipient of the APCOM organization’s HERO Award 2021, in the category of Social Justice.
Presentation at Woodland Park library
Better Burma will give a presentation at Woodland Park library on December 1, 2022. The presentation features the roles that art and creativity play in resisting the Myanmar military coup.
Myanmar Arts & Handicrafts Show
Better Burma will hold a Myanmar arts & Handicrafts show at Manitou Art Center on November, 4th, 2022. The show features great artworks by artists on Civil Disobedience Movement and beautiful handicrafts made in Myanmar. All the proceeds will go to support the humanitarian missions.
Presentation - Struggle for Democracy in Burma
A presentation on the current political situation and how the artists and musicians play an important role on the democracy movement in Myanmar.
Talk at Helena St. Paul Church
The founder of Better Burma will give a talk regarding the democracy movement in Myanmar since 1962.
Power of One fundraiser in MN
Better Burma, Birchwood Cafe and local event organizers/volunteers will hold a fundraising event at Birchwood Cafe on Oct. 13, 2022. Karen food made by Karen diasporas will be served. We will also play a documentary and deliver a speech regarding the current political and humanitarian situation in Myanmar. All the proceeds will go to support the vulnerable groups affected by the military coup.
Art Event - Still We Rise
Better Burma is proud to host the art auction event, Still We Rise! This fundraiser opened on May 5th, and will run through Sunday, May 22nd. In preparation for the auction, we spent the last several months carefully selecting sixty-five pieces of art from thirty artists. Some of the art was made secretly by Burmese civil servants who have taken the ethical decision to not work at their government posts to protest the illegal military seizure of power, and consequently many are in hiding. Other pieces were made by allies from around the world who support the democratic movement.
The proceeds from this event will go towards supporting a wide range of humanitarian missions across Myanmar, benefiting people from all regions, ethnicities, and religions. This includes such urgent needs as supporting IDP camps and CDM workers, aiding military defection campaigns, and providing food, medicine, and shelter to vulnerable populations and impoverished communities.
Online Art Auction - Artist Against Tyranny
Better Burma and Artist Against Tyranny will hold an art auction from Dec. 11 -13, 2021. The artworks are made by the artists from all round the world. The proceeds will go to support the humanitarian crisis in Myanmar.
Art Gallery Show @Jane Lombard Gallery NYC
Better Burma and Artist Against Tyranny will run an art exhibit featuring art from Myanmar artists @ Jane Lombard Gallery 58 White Street, New York City December 9-11. Gallery-goers will have the option to purchase the artwork on display.