Saturday, April 10 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Spiritual Deli on Superior St., V-Day UMD will present the first annual Vagina Cafe. Now accepting submissions from artists of multiple mediums from spoken word, poetry, and stories, to dance, music, sculpture and painting/drawing. Subject matter must pertain to women, violence against women, sexuality or vaginas.

To be included in our program (possibly showcased) and for two free tickets to the Vagina Monologues, please submit an abstract to [email protected] by Wednesday, April 7.

Beneficiary, Bisan, is within the area of Guatemala most impacted by the massacres of indigenous people during the 36-year civil war from 1960 to 1996. Still, citizens are consistently marginalized, especially women. These women are vulnerable to violence within and outside the community. The Bisan Solidarity Project collaborates with local women’s organizations in the neighboring city of Nebaj to provide empowerment and healing to the Bisan women.

Funding is desperately needed to protect and provide support for these women as they begin to openly discuss the current threats and issues of violence in a way that does not increase their risk of harm.

The Bisan Solidarity Project also provides Bisan weavers opportunity to sell their intricate textiles in less saturated markets. Art as a creative outlet as well as a means to tangibly rebuild, allowing citizens to take an active part in this re-growth, is the concept which inspired the Vagina Cafe.

Please join us at the Spiritual Deli to enjoy art, performances, wine, Central American food (fajitas and beans a rice) and contribute to ending violence against women and girls.

For more information on V-Day visit V-Day UMD on Facebook under V-Day UMD 2010.