The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign led by the United Nations that runs from November 25th (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until December 10th (Human Rights Day). This UNiTE Campaign also has declared the 25th of each month as ‘Orange Day’, a day to raise awareness and take action to end violence against women and girls. The colour orange is bright and optimistic and was chosen to represent a future free from violence and abuse.
For the second year, BCP Council along with Soroptimist International Bournemouth (https://sigbi.org/bournemouth/) are coordinating a programme of events throughout the 16 days of activism. They are looking to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and promote support services that are available to everyone, regardless of gender or sexuality. An art exhibition will be held for eight of the sixteen days, setting up on November 29th, launch on the 30th and prize giving on December 7th.
Space has been secured at Bobby’s in central Bournemouth to host the exhibition and we are inviting all AUB students to produce a piece of artwork related to the theme of gender-based violence and highlighting the colour orange. You are free to interpret the theme as you would like but we would like it to be framed around positive action including community, accessing support, having conversations and helping each other. The more diverse the entries the better; in 2023 we had paintings, pottery, photographs, posters, costumes, textile design and an installation. All very impressive pieces of work!
Expression of interest - October 11, 2024
Check-in #1, sketches - October 25, 2024
Soft deadline, check in #2 - November 15, 2024
Hard deadline - November 22, 2024
Set up - November 29, 2024
Exhibit opens - November 30, 2024
In order to maximise the opportunities for all participants, we would like entries to be no larger than A0 size and light enough to be hung on the walls using command strips. There will options for displays on tabletops and for hanging lightweight exhibits from overhead and you are welcome to bring a mannequin if you have a costume to display. There will be no space for an installation on the floor. In relation to colour, stay away from any traditionally gendered colours and include orange and colours that go with it to highlight the campaign’s positive intentions.
Every student who meets the specification will have their artwork displayed in the exhibition space at Bobby’s for eight days, so this is an excellent opportunity for you to get some experience. The public will be asked to judge their top three favourites and there will be a financial reward for the most popular entrants (£150 for first, £100 for second and £50 for third places) provided by BCP Council.
