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The Ringling Encourages Community Participation on World Refugee Day Human Flow, a Film by Ai Weiwei to be Shown June 20 Contact Name: Virginia Harshman Contact Email: virginia.harshman@ringling.org Contact Phone Number: 941-359-5700 x2803 Sarasota, Florida- The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is honored to take part in World Refugee Day by presenting a film by Ai Weiwei. The film, Human Flow, is an epic journey that gives a powerful visual expression to this massive human migration. The documentary exposes both the staggering scale of the refugee crisis and its profoundly personal human impact. Weiwei filmed in 23 countries including Kenya, Iraq, Jordan, Turkey, Gaza and Northern Greece. Last year, The Ringling hosted Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s 12 monumental bronze sculptures, Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads. On Dec. 4, 2000, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring June 20 as World Refugee Day. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and countless civic groups around the world host World Refugee Day events in order to draw the public's attention to the millions of refugees and internally displaced persons worldwide who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution. Individuals and community groups are encouraged to mark the day by attending local World Refugee Day events, watching and sharing World Refugee Day videos, and raising awareness for refugees on social media. This year’s theme explores the Global Compact on Refugees and calls for investment in communities that host refugees to help ease the pressure on the host, while prompting refugees to become self-reliant. Laura Steefel-Moore, the Ringling’s Head of Educational Programs says, “We are pleased to be able to share this beautiful and heartbreaking film with our community, and to help raise awareness about the massive scale of the global refugee crisis today.” The film will be shown June 20, 2019, at 5 p.m. in the Chao lecture hall of the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art. The cost is 5.00 and members are free; tickets can be reserved at https://www.ringling.org/events/art-and-movie # # # About The Ringling The Ringling is a pre-eminent center for the arts, history and learning that is dedicated to bringing the past and contemporary culture to life through extraordinary visitor experiences. From its inception, The Ringling has joined the diverse visual traditions and theatrical spectacle of yesterday with the genre-defying global practitioners of today. A place of exploration, discovery and respite, The Ringling’s campus in Sarasota, Florida – which includes the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, an historic mansion, an 18th-century theater and bayfront gardens – is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. As the State Art Museum of Florida and part of Florida State University, The Ringling fulfills an important educational mission. The Ringling offers formal and informal programs of study serving as a major resource for students, scholars, and lifelong learners of every age within the region, across the country and around the world. Media Contacts: The Ringling Virginia Harshman Public relations specialist 941-359-5700 x2803 virginia.harshman@ringling.org