15 October 2024

Hestia’s annual art and photography exhibition, 'Art is Freedom' features work created by survivors of modern slavery.

Survivors supported by Hestia's Modern Slavery Response Service take part in art and photography workshops every summer, learning and refining their skills, before submitting their best pieces for the exhibition.

This year’s theme is ‘Unlocked’ proposed by survivors in Hestia’s Empowered Voice group. Empowered Voices is Hestia’s survivor-led group with the aim of putting the voices of those with lived experience at the forefront of strategic planning and implementation. ‘Unlocked’ beautifully captures the unlocked potential and talent of the artists and draws a parallel to their newly found freedom.

 

This year, we sat down with some of the artists to talk about their experience participating in Art is Freedom 2024.

What does this year’s Art is Freedom theme ‘Unlocked’ mean to you?

"This question is very beautiful and it's quite heavy because I'm still looking for the key to unlock myself from the situation that I am currently in." - Anika* 

Have these workshops had a positive impact on your life? Do you think this project has benefited your mental health?  

"Yes, because [in the past] I suffered from something, and it made me a bit afraid to meet new people but this project encourages me to go outside to meet people." - Jackie*

What did you enjoy most about the project?

"I really enjoyed learning different techniques of drawing, every session. The teacher is super helpful and inspiring and comforting. What I enjoyed the most about the whole project is that not only does it involve other people like me in the sessions but there are also people that are working in this firm and also people working in Hestia getting involved. They are all joining in and working together which doesn't make me feel like I'm a victim." - Pine*

How did it feel for you to be able to do something creative?

"Happy, it makes me very happy. It’s a chance to paint. Before, it was too much stress for me and now there is no stress - it’s good." - Frieda*

"It has brought people happiness and shows us that we can create something. When I’m here, I can totally focus on myself and not think too much of other things." - Jackie*

Are you excited to share your work in the exhibition?

"It's a big message for me. I'm happy to share my art in this exhibition. I want to share with everyone, please don't sleep in dark room. Come out and see the sun. Fight for yourself. Never give up. Fight for yourself, even though life is hard." - Anika*

"It makes me feel like I have made an accomplishment which is very encouraging for my mental health and for my feelings." - Pine*

How has Hestia made an impact on your life?  

"It has made a huge impact for me and my daughter. I don’t have any family here and Hestia has been like a family and helped me. Thank you for Hestia for helping me go to school, for housing and for help with solicitors." - Frieda* 

"They care about me, and I talk with my advocate about a lot of different things, like daily life, my mental health, things to do with solicitors and everything." - Pine*

What would you say to encourage someone to get involved in Art is Freedom?

"I would encourage other to come and enjoy Art is Freedom for the art and for designing. It is a chance for those who maybe don’t understand art to learn. I feel so happy coming to class and sharing what we create." - Frieda*

"If you are suffering tell people that you are suffering. I continue to share because you need to have courage to break these things. Break the silence and come out free, share with others, you’ll find a solution." - Anika*

"Yes, I would encourage others to take part. It doesn’t matter if you’ve suffered before, maybe it’s a chance to have some relief. Some people have a really difficult life, but when we join in on Art is Freedom, we can show ourselves and show what’s deep in our mind. Sometimes speaking another language is difficult but when we use it for drawing it can become a way we can express ourselves." - Jackie*

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Plan this years visit to our FREE #ArtIsFreedom exhibition celebrating the talents of survivors of modern slavery from 7 – 20 October 2024.

Find out more

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of our artists