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From plastic waste to art: New Exhibit urges to address environmental problems

The new exhibition titled “Single-Use Planet” features eco-activist artists from across Latin America and the Caribbean at the IDB. Free registration here.

Washington, D.C. – One million single-use plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide. How can we take the plastic garbage and turn it into something positive? “Single-Use Planet” is one of the answers, the exhibit that will open next Thursday, October 3rd at the recently renovated IDB Cultural Center, which will be re-opening its doors to showcase challenges the Americas will face over the next 60 years.

In the last six decades, lives have improved Latin America and the Caribbean, however new challenges emerged, including the growth of pollution, waste, and environmental degradation. Single-Use Planet was created to celebrate the IDB’s 60th Anniversary, but also to highlight our need to prepare for the future focusing on solid waste, plastic, consumerism and the environment.

To increase environmental awareness and change the way we think about protecting the planet, the IDB invited a diverse range of eco-activist artists from across Latin America and the Caribbean. They have taken discarded plastic and garbage and turned it into something beautiful helping to shape the exhibit’s disruptive message and forcing the audience to reconsider how we can safeguard the planet by repurposing something that isn’t disposable.

“By highlighting the power of artists to transform garbage into provocative messages, we hope to create a call-to-action that will encourage both development professionals and the broader public to address our challenges head-on”, explained Trinidad Zaldívar, Chief of Creativity and Culture at the IDB.

Single-Use Planet also refers to the fact that this planet is humanity’s only home, and its survival depends on the ability of people to tackle toxic waste, one of the most urgent environmental problems. This exhibit will featured artists such as: Mandy Barker, Tony Capellan, Magdalena Correa, Blue Curry, Alejandro Duran, Vik Muniz, Federico Uribe, and Simon Vega.

The opening will be on October 3rd at 6pm, IDB Cultural Center, located at 1300 New York Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C. The admission is free and open to the public from Monday to Friday, from 11am to 6pm. For more information visit our website.

About the IDB

The Inter-American Development Bank is devoted to improving lives. Established in 1959, the IDB is a leading source of long-term financing for economic, social and institutional development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The IDB also conducts cutting-edge research and provides policy advice, technical assistance and training to public and private sector clients throughout the region.

External Contacts

Andrea Ortega

Andrea Ortega
Additional Contacts

Reyes Restrepo,Manuela

Reyes Restrepo,Manuela
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