MEDIA ADVISORY
October 6, 2023
MARTA
ARTBOUND WELCOMES LITTLE AMAL TO ATLANTA
ATLANTA -
The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) public art program
Artbound, in partnership with Flux Projects, Center for Puppetry Arts, and Decatur Arts Alliance, welcomes “Little Amal’ to Atlanta as she
continues her journey across America.
Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a
10-year-old Syrian refugee child who has become an international symbol of
human rights and delivers a message of hope for displaced people. She has
already trekked more than 6,000 miles across 15 countries for a project called
“The Walk."
Little Amal arrives in Atlanta
looking for a stuffed animal to keep her company during her journey. Stuffed
animals have become steadfast companions to refugee children, offering
emotional support, companionship, and a tangible reminder of happier times. All
are invited, and especially children, to greet Little Amal and to bring their
own favorite stuffed animal.
“We are thrilled to welcome Little
Amal at our Decatur station,” said Art in Transit Director Katherine Dirga. “At
Artbound, community is at the heart of what we do. Art has the power to
transcend boundaries and connect people in profound ways. We are grateful for
the opportunity to showcase the transformative power of art,
reminding us all that together, we can create a more
compassionate and connected world.”
WHAT: Walk
with Little Amal
WHEN: Tuesday,
October 10
5 p.m.
WHERE: Decatur
Station
400 Church Street, Decatur, GA, 30030
Join MARTA Artbound in this
immersive experience as Amal stops by Decatur Station during her visit
to Atlanta, and be part of this extraordinary journey that showcases
the profound impact of art that unites communities and nurtures compassion in
our collective human experience.
About MARTA Artbound
One percent of MARTA’s annual budget
is allocated for its Artbound program which was developed to enhance the
ridership experience through visual and performing arts.
About Amal Walks Across America
The national program Amal Walks
Across America was made possible with an inaugural investment from the Doris
Duke Foundation, as well as leadership support from the Bezos Family
Foundation. Additional generous support was provided by the Backstage
Trust, the Barr Foundation, Sunny Bates, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Choose Love,
The Conrad Prebys Foundation, the Donald A. Pels Charitable Trust,
Ruby Lerner, the McMillan Stewart Foundation, the Mellon Foundation,
Opportunity Fund, The Shapiro Foundation, Students Rebuild, the Thorne Cox
Family Foundation, and Barbara Tober in honor of Diane Love.