[Campaign Events] [News from Cuba] [International news and events] [UK Events] [Reviews]
THE CSC's commemorative exhibition of photographs of Che Guevara was a resounding success both in terms of the publicity generated for the campaign against the blockade and in money raised for medical aid.
Altogether, 39 photographs by four of the most famous Cuban photographers were exhibited for the three weeks at the London Institute Gallery and all were eventually sold raising more than £12,000.
In addition, a poster and commemorative collection of postcards were sold along with T-shirts and books. Volunteers staffed a stall at the gallery throughout the show selling more than £6,000 worth of goods.
"Once all the costs and expenses for mounting the exhibition and all the photographers have received their royalties, CSC will be announcing a very substantial donation to Cuban children's health provision," says CSC national Organiser Rob Miller.
Another spin-off from the event was the media coverage it received which included a spot on BBC's Newsnight, satellite coverage on CNN, Radio Scotland and Radio Five Live. Even people in Cuba saw coverage of the exhibition and CubaSi received an email from Puerto Rico from friends over there who saw editor Steve Wilkinson being interviewed on CNN.
The British Press also heavily covered the event with the photographs being used on the cover of both the Independent and Guardian Magazine supplements. Even Golf Monthly gave it coverage!
Perhaps it was because of this publicity that the exhibition attracted so many visitors. It is estimated that 5,000 people passed through the gallery.
A big thanks should go out to all who helped it be a such a success including sponsors Tumi Music, Progressive Tours, World Circuit records, Moreno Wines and Julio Etchart, without whom the exhibition would not have been possible.
Sets of five commemorative postcards (£2.50 inc.) and the poster (£3.50 inc.) are available from CSC. Send in cheques payable to Cuba Solidarity Campaign.
Watch out for the travelling exhibition of Cuba and Che which is currently making the rounds of Britain. It contains copies of the photographs in the exhibition.