Kairos Arts Domestic Abuse Awareness Week

We are excited to announce a thought-provoking exhibition inspired by the personal experience of people in Jersey affected by domestic abuse will be a special part of our Domestic Abuse Awareness Week.

It’s the sixth year we have staged an Art Installation which helps people express their experiences of abuse, violence and coercive behaviour, and use the creative arts to process them.  

This year’s Art Installation will be based at JARO Gallery, York Street, St Helier from Monday 10th to Friday 14th from 9:30am to 3:30pm, and Saturday 15th March 10.00am to 5.00pm, and everyone is invited. 

‘The installation’s title is “Reconnected”, and it seeks to explore the journey through the emotions and challenges of domestic abuse, to hope and empowerment – and how through art a person can “reconnect to oneself”.  We are passionate about giving opportunities for past participants of our group programmes to continue to express their hopes and fears through artmaking,’ said Cathy Sara, Founder and CEO of Kairos Arts.  

‘Kairos Arts create spaces where time feels suspended, allowing us to connect with our inner selves while engaging, reflecting, connecting with others and exploring emotions through artmaking,’ said one past participant of a Kairos Arts Group Programme, who now regularly attends the monthly drop-ins. This year, this person with lived experience of domestic abuse has been invited to co-facilitate the group sessions with a Kairos Practitioner, bringing a whole new level of engagement and ownership of this Art Installation project. 

‘This year the creators of the Kairos Art Installation wanted to create a piece inspired by the “sacred and safe space” they describe is discovered at their monthly drop-in sessions. As they connect with one another and reconnect with themselves through artmaking, a unique and special space is created which supports their ongoing healing process. We are really touched that this has been the inspiration for this year's piece,’ Cathy explained. 

‘We are excited to invite any visitor to respond to the artwork with one word and a mini art-making of their own – encouraging empathy. Don’t be fearful of the subject matter. This year’s installation is powerful but there is also a sense of hope. Come and celebrate the courage of those with lived experience sharing their journey, overcoming adversity with their creativity,’ Cathy said. 

As well as the Art Installation at JARO Gallery, Kairos Arts will also set up shop there, selling artisan products from freedom businesses in India and Bolivia. The products are made by women and girls who have suffered trauma and many of whom are transitioning out of sex work, or who have been rescued from trafficking.   

‘During the week we will have our products on sale, made by women in India and Bolivia who have been exploited, abused or trafficked and have now found dignity and worth through making beautiful things. Creativity is part of their restoration story too. Every product is making a difference to the artisan who created it and every sale in Jersey will help support our continued therapeutic work with adults and children,’ Cathy explained. 

The exhibition run from Monday 10th - Friday 14th March 9:30 - 3:30pm and Saturday 15th March 10 - 5pm

We look forward to seeing you there! 

For more information about the event please contact michelle@kairosarts.org.