Safe Space - an art installation by Shelley Watters

Safe Space is a powerful new art installation at 107 Projects, Redfern opening on 30 November by emerging artist Shelley Watters.

It explores the impact of gender-based violence in our community during 16 Days of Activism, (#16daysofactivism) a worldwide campaign to eliminate violence against women. 

The cocoon-like forms made of bedsheets examine the physical, emotional, and psychological damage of violence and coercive control that is inflicted on survivors.

At the time of this announcement 39 women have been killed this year due to violence, according to Destroy the Joint’s Counting Dead Women Australia. Safe Space will run from 30 November - 10 December and is supported by City of Sydney and 107 Projects.

Safe Space will donate 50% of profits from sales of photographic prints and wearable-art to the long-running feminist, grassroots organisation the Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) that has served the Redfern community since 1977.

WAGEC supports 200 women and children each night that are impacted by homelessness, domestic violence, and systemic disadvantage. 

At 2pm on Sunday 10 December (Human Rights Day) Watters will do an artist talk and WAGEC will deliver a free two-hour gender-based violence bystander and ally workshop that will support the community to understand the root causes and safely intervene. Register now.