Healing Through Art: Free Workshops For GBV And DV Survivors
LGBTI+ Gozo will be launching a project titled Safe Spaces, Strong Voices: Art for Empowerment, designed for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Domestic Violence (DV) to use creative expression as a means of healing, empowerment and community building.
“At LGBTI+ Gozo, we believe in the transformative power of art. This programme offers survivors not only the space to create, but also the opportunity to reconnect with themselves and others through healing, creative expression. Workshops will run from the end of June until October. Together, we create. Together, we heal. Together, we empower,” wrote LGBTI+ Gozo in a statement.
The workshops will be free of charge and will be confidential for all survivors. Participants will have the opportunity to explore and develop artistic coping skills that can support emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and personal expression.
Apart from providing a new method of healing, these workshops aim to reduce isolation and shame perpetuated by DV and GBV by nurturing connections between individuals with shared experiences. Additionally, these sessions serve to also build bridges between local NGOs and the communities they serve.
There are two types of workshops available which will run from 21st June to 27th September
Art Workshops hosted by Abi MacLeod: These workshops are open to all survivors, with all materials provided by the organisers. These sessions encourage open expression across various artistic mediums. This workshop is also open to the youths and children who were affected by GBV and DV in their households.
Weaving Workshops facilitated by Alda Bugeja: Participants will be taught the skills of Maltese weaving by Bugeja who is a local Gozitan weaver. These sessions are limited to six participants to ensure an intimate, focused experience. Weaving will be introduced as both a meditative practice and a link to cultural heritage.
Additional information can be obtained by emailing [email protected] and participants can apply through this confidential registration form.
‘Safe Spaces, Strong Voices: Art for Empowerment’ is funded by the Commission of Gender based violence and Domestic Violence and the Parliamentary Secretary for Reform and Equality through the Together We Empower initiative.
This project welcomes all participants, irrespective of their backgrounds and experiences
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