GRAND PRIX OF THE CATASTROPHIC

from 3 October 2007 to 27 January 2008


In 2006, natural disasters affected 134 million people and cost 35 billion dollars…
Three weeks after the tsunami, over 700 million dollars had been released.
Several months later, earthquake victims in Pakistan were dying for want of means to help them…
Every dollar spent on prevention today could save four dollars on reconstruction tomorrow…

These are disturbing figures.

The exhibition reveals the ins and outs of the media coverage, financing and organization of relief operations. Throughout, objects and firsthand accounts shed light on various aspects of the activities undertaken in the tsunami’s aftermath. A catastrophe of unprecedented proportions, the tsunami crystallized all facets of humanitarian action, from the best – the huge outpouring of generosity – to the worst – excessive competition. And what are we to make of the merchandising?
The exhibition also scrutinizes the ongoing quest for effectiveness of the professionals involved. Visitors will be intrigued, to say the least, at their kits, genuine “ready-aid” tools ranging in cost from a few francs to several millions. Talk of natural disasters also reminds us that risk reduction, at a time of global warming, figures on the agenda of high-level summits, is front-page news and has even entered our homes, in the form of electronic games. With what results?
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the earthquake simulator, a startling educational experience. Their hair dishevelled, shaken both literally and figuratively, visitors find themselves at the heart of the current debate: protection of the planet, north/south relations, the role of politicians, celebrity involvement, the limits to humanitarian action.

AND THE WINNER IS …