It Takes All of Us

White Ribbon Day takes place on November 25 and is an internationally recognised awareness day to end violence against women.

To mark this year’s event, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent is hosting a free public exhibition at the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport, inspired by White Ribbon UK’s 2026 campaign, ‘It Takes All of Us’.

Art is a powerful tool. It can be used to heal, empower and express feelings and thoughts. This project aims to use different art forms to break down barriers and deliver a powerful message - that violence against women is not acceptable.

The exhibition, which will contain artwork by professional artists and local people, will be open to the public Monday 16 November - Thursday 10 December.

Get involved

Anyone can create 2D or 3D work that could form part of this exhibition. Submissions should be thoughtful, respectful and impactful, helping to raise awareness of the harm caused by men’s violence against women and girls, while recognising the strength, dignity and experiences of survivors.

Themes to consider:

  • The scale and impact of femicide in the UK, including work that sensitively reflects the lives and names of women and girls killed by men.
  • The many forms of violence, abuse and control experienced by women and girls, including coercive behaviour, physical, emotional and sexual abuse.
  • Survivor voices, lived experience, recovery, resilience and hope.
  • Personal reflections, testimony or creative responses.

The following 2D or 3D mediums are welcomed:

  • Photography
  • Paint
  • Multimedia artworks
  • Textile-based art
  • Digital media
  • Film
  • Sketches
  • Ceramics

Criteria

While everyone’s work is important, there will be a curation process by a panel of specialists to ensure that artwork is appropriate and fits with the brief for the exhibition. There is also limited space to exhibit, so please bear this in mind when thinking about the size and quantity of work you submit.
Please use the criteria below as a reference for your submission.

Originality and vision

  • Unique concept, approach, or use of materials
  • Ability to push boundaries or offer a fresh perspective
  • Strong personal voice or thematic reference

Technical quality and execution

  • Skill in chosen medium (eg, drawing, painting, sculpture, photography)
  • Effective use of materials, tools, and techniques
  • Precision, finish, and overall craftsmanship

Conceptual strength

  • Clarity of idea or message
  • Emotional or intellectual engagement with the viewer
  • Relevance to the exhibition’s theme or curatorial focus

Display

  • Please provide clear details of how the work will need to be displayed, including any hanging, plinth, electrical, digital or access requirements.
  • Please state whether you will provide your own hanging materials, display equipment or props, such as mannequins.

Location

The artwork will be exhibited at the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport.

We understand that art is subjective and emotive, and that some visitors may find particular images, text or personal testimony distressing. Any artwork that may be distressing, explicit or difficult for some visitors will be displayed in a clearly marked area away from high-footfall spaces, with advance signage giving information about the content. This approach is intended to support visitors’ well-being while preserving the importance and integrity of the artwork.

Information about local and national support services relating to domestic abuse and sexual violence will be available throughout the exhibition for anyone who is affected by the content. The exhibition will be handled in a trauma-informed way, with calm signage, clear visitor routes and sensitivity to the experiences of survivors and those with lived experience.

Costs, fees and expenses
There is no artist fee for exhibiting work.

Timescales

Submission of artwork Friday 30 October.

Email engagement@gwent.police.uk with photos of the work as well as:

  • Your contact details
  • Title of the work
  • Medium
  • Measurements
  • Weight (where relevant)
  • A brief description of the piece and a short statement explaining how it reflects the themes of White Ribbon Day (no more than 100 words)

Curation deadline: Friday 6 November. Artists will be informed of the outcome by Friday 6 November.
Exhibition set-up: Week commencing 9 November
Artwork will be brought by the artist to the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre by prior arrangement. Installation requirements, access needs and any specialist handling arrangements must be agreed before set-up.

Exhibition opens Monday 16 November
The exhibition will run from Monday 16 November to Thursday 10 December.

Official launch event Monday 23 November (TBC)
Successful individuals and groups will be invited to a special event to mark the launch of the exhibition. The event will bring together partners of the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent and artists whose work is included in the exhibition.

Art work collection From Friday 11 December
Artists will be required to collect their artwork from the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre after the exhibition closes, by prior arrangement and within the agreed collection window.

Contact
For more information, contact engagement@gwent.police.uk