“Only when I actually entered a refuge and found openness to start a dialogue, did I begin to imagine creating a work that could connect women whose lives had been mostly deeply impacted, with women who could listen and learn from them” Susan Meiselas, 2017
During 2015 and 2016, we collaborated with Magnum photographer, Susan Meiselas and women who were living in a Black Country refuge. The resulting publication A Room of Their Ownshares women’s experiences of domestic abuse and the process of entering refuge through photographs, first hand testimonies and original artworks.
To mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November 2017, and the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence (25 Nov – 10 Dec) we have teamed up again to develop a ‘pop-up’ exhibition accompanied by a series of events, workshops and talks to raise the issue of domestic violence, inspire activism and encourage people to purchase A Room of Their Own, proceeds of which will go to women in refuge in the Black Country.
Special events include: ‘An evening with Susan Meiselas & guests‘ at West Bromwich Town Hall; workshops with artists and project collaborators Sarah Taylor Silverwood and Alex Nelson; & Wolverhampton-based writer, poet and storyteller Emma Purshouse will read extracts from A Room of Their Own with Priscilla, a project participant,at Central Library (West Bromwich). Places for all these events are free but limited. Book early to avoid disappointment.
In light of the ‘me too’ phenomenon and the many budget cuts to women’s refuges across the country, now is the time to act. Please help us make a real difference and support this campaign by buying a book; attending a workshop or event; donating toward our Crowdfunder campaign or sharing on social media.
For details about the full programme of talks and workshops and to book places see our ‘Events‘ page.
Look out for details of our upcoming Crowdfunder page which will officially launch on Tuesday 7 November 2017 and visit us at West Bromwich Indoor Market between 25 Nov – 10 Dec to drop off items of need and to find out more about the exhibition and events.
