Survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking are invited to submit photographs and captions for a survivor-centered art installation titled, “Through the Survivors’ Lens.” Those wishing to submit content must do so by Friday, July 26.
The art installation will provide a compelling, visual means for provoking thought and reflection within the Ohio University community, similar to the “What Were You Wearing?” exhibit in 2018 and the Monument Quilt in 2017.
“Through the Survivors’ Lens” is a continuation of the arts-based survivor centered programming that occurs every fall at Ohio University,” said Dr. M. Geneva Murray, director of OHIO’s Women’s Center. “Not only do these programs carve out space for our community to come together against violence, but they also provide opportunities for survivors to share their experiences of trauma and survival. The Monument Quilt and the ‘What Were You Wearing?’ exhibit both illustrate how programs such as this empower survivors, both as participants in the art creation and in viewing the artwork, and lets them know that they are not alone.
“We hope that programs like this help to foster a culture in which violence is not accepted, and that we as a society ‘Start By Believing,’” she continued. “We encourage survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking to consider contributing to ‘Through the Survivors' Lens.’”
Survivors can anonymously submit content by visiting this website, which includes more detailed information about the exhibit. Organizers of the event are also scheduling workshops to assist survivors in brainstorming and submitting photographs at regional and extension campuses. Please check with your campus to find out if a workshop will be hosted near you. Participants are encouraged to complete their submission for consideration by July 26, 2019.
Workshops and submissions using the online form are exempt from mandatory reporting; as such, disclosures of incidents of sexual misconduct through this form will not be considered notice to Ohio University.
“Our goal for this exhibit is to create a renewed empathy for the survivor experience and an understanding that there is not one single, cookie-cutter definition of what it means to be a survivor,” said Kim Castor, director of OHIO’s Survivor Advocacy Program. “All survivors are welcome to participate in this project and will help us with meeting this goal. You matter and your story matters and my hope is that we can create a culture in this community in which all survivors truly feel this way and that we all recognize there is no right or wrong way to be a survivor.”
“Through the Survivors’ Lens” in Athens will open on Monday, Aug. 26 in the Trisolini Gallery on the fourth floor of Baker University Center. The project is supported by OHIO’s Women’s Center, the Survivor Advocacy Program, Health Promotions, Counseling and Psychological Services, the College of Fine Arts and University Galleries, Better Bystanders, Ambassadors to the Survivor Advocacy Program, and Student National Medical Association. There will be an opening reception from 6 until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28 and the exhibit will close on Saturday, Sept. 14.