Art for Advocacy

We are joining NCVRW (National Crimes Victims' Right's Week)and SAAM (Sexual Assault Awareness Month) to create a space for artistic expression for all members of the community. The idea is to organize a traveling exhibit with a panel, which will be hosted in all four campuses (Sacred Heart University, Fairfield University, Housatonic Community College, University of Bridgeport) served by The Center for Family Justice. Submissions are accepted in the following:

1) “What were you wearing?”

An installation based on survivor descriptions of the clothes they were wearing during their sexual assault. The purpose of the exhibit is to eliminate a victim-blaming myth that clothing somehow invites a sexual assault. We need to stop asking the question and assert that victims of crime are not responsible for crimes committed against them. Example of survivor stories are provided in the attachment.

2) Survivors Gallery

Invites survivors and allies to submit artworks that focus on the NCVRW theme of Rights (enforcing victims’ rights), Access (expanding access to services), and Equity (ensuring equity and inclusion) for all victims. Artists have the option of incorporating the NCVRW theme colors; blue, green, orange. “The goal of artivism is action to create an effect.” We want the art to send the message, to tell the stories, to dismantle the stigmas, and enforce the rights. Participants can submit old or new art. We are also looking for creative writing submissions (poetry slam). Contact us for more details.

If you are interested or have questions DM us @cfjcampusadvocacy or email, Salaha Kabir at [email protected]

All interested, please complete registration for art submission: https://forms.office.com/r/FraQd0Tdys

In addition to the art displays, we will also have a panel and a resource fair. The panelists will highlight on SAAM and other forms of crimes (human trafficking, police brutality, hate crimes, etc.) The resource fair will have tables to provide materials to help victims/survivors to identify and access services in the area.

The goal of the exhibit is to encourage survivors and allies to form representation for cultures and identities, share voices through artistic storytelling, and help create a space for community and healing. We want to empower survivors in their healing process and educate others on how to be allies to survivors of sexualized crimes and all crimes.

This project was supported by a National Crime Victims' Rights Week Community Awareness Project subgrant awarded by the National Association of VOCA Assistance Administrators under cooperative agreement with the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice.”.

Host or Publisher Campus Advocates, The Center for Family Justice