Public art project for End Violence Against Women day
In 2009 Bristol marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25th November) with a week of events. These included a conference, an open day at the dedicated domestic violence court, the launch of websites for Bristol Rape Crisis and The Sky Project and a candle-lit vigil to remember women and girls who are damaged by violence.
BFN exhibited public art to illustrate the need to give special attention to violence against women and to counter some of the myths and excuses around domestic violence. The artwork took place on saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November 2009 on the Jamiaca Street wall, one of the People's republic of Stokes Croft's public exhibition spaces. More photos can be found here.
In 2009 Bristol marked International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25th November) with a week of events. These included a conference, an open day at the dedicated domestic violence court, the launch of websites for Bristol Rape Crisis and The Sky Project and a candle-lit vigil to remember women and girls who are damaged by violence.
BFN exhibited public art to illustrate the need to give special attention to violence against women and to counter some of the myths and excuses around domestic violence. The artwork took place on saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd November 2009 on the Jamiaca Street wall, one of the People's republic of Stokes Croft's public exhibition spaces. More photos can be found here.
The Jamaica St graffitti wall in the heart of Stokes Croft was emblazoned with a 58 x 8ft mural marking International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women, 25th November.
What started with a meeting between a few supporters in Cafe Kino ended in a bold feminist statement for all to see in the heart of Bristol. The artwork and slogan "End Violence Against Women" provided a dramatic and thought-provoking
image and the national domenstic violence helpline number was displayed. BFN hopes this reached out to the community to condem violence in all its forms and support victims in getting help to escape violence.
BBC Radio Bristol interviewed the artists in front of the wall, pointing out that just in front of it stands the back entrance to of Bristol's biggest massage clubs. BFN got a 20 minute live interview on BCFM and press cameras on tripods took
pictures from all angles. People from the Council turned up and various different local radio stations. A top police guy was there and a representative from a Women´s refuge and rape centre organisation. Our press release was sent it to the national papers.
Thank you to everyone involved in the planning and creation of the artwork, despite the horrific weather. Thanks also to the People's Republic of Stokes Croft and Bristol Domestic Violence Forum for their support. A special mention must go to Jan - thank you for making your mark sister!
What started with a meeting between a few supporters in Cafe Kino ended in a bold feminist statement for all to see in the heart of Bristol. The artwork and slogan "End Violence Against Women" provided a dramatic and thought-provoking
image and the national domenstic violence helpline number was displayed. BFN hopes this reached out to the community to condem violence in all its forms and support victims in getting help to escape violence.
BBC Radio Bristol interviewed the artists in front of the wall, pointing out that just in front of it stands the back entrance to of Bristol's biggest massage clubs. BFN got a 20 minute live interview on BCFM and press cameras on tripods took
pictures from all angles. People from the Council turned up and various different local radio stations. A top police guy was there and a representative from a Women´s refuge and rape centre organisation. Our press release was sent it to the national papers.
Thank you to everyone involved in the planning and creation of the artwork, despite the horrific weather. Thanks also to the People's Republic of Stokes Croft and Bristol Domestic Violence Forum for their support. A special mention must go to Jan - thank you for making your mark sister!
More on EVAW
The national campaign group, End Violece Against Women (EVAW) has collected data on women's DV services in the UK to produce the Map of Gaps campaign which highlights the situations of women who experience violence and are left without support in 1 in 4 local areas in Britain. Help us to end the postcode lottery in DV services. More details.
There is currently a consultation on whether the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) should become the organisation through which a future UK Observatory on violence against women works. The National Alliance of Women’s Organisations (NAWO) see EVAW as the best building block to work through but they would like to know the views of the vaw sector and this includes BFN! We are one of over 100 organisations across the UK who are members of EVAW and work towards ending violence against women and girls. Please get in touch by the 5th October if you would like to send your support or other views.