The Art of Advocacy Care
Healing in Arts shines a light on issues like veteran PTSD, sex trafficking, or other social justice issues through collaborative art. For example, dozens of visitors lined up every day at The Scarlet Cord to air their sexually traumatic experiences, finding release for their hidden stories. Since then, our creative team has continued to explore ways to promote restoration and hope for survivors. By endeavoring to raise public awareness and support community wellbeing, we help advance dignity and healing through redemptive art.
Our Past Projects Inspire Future Programs
Our sex trafficking awareness exhibits reveal how pornography fuels the demand for illicit sex. In one of our earlier projects, after surveying The Scarlet Cord, one visitor felt prompted to have a conversation with his buddies: “The art helped me to realize how many models in pornography aren’t there by choice. It changes how one views pornography. It’s no longer entertainment.” These advocacy care projects also provide practical action steps on how individuals can be part of the solution.
Awareness and Action
The Scarlet Cord, an in-person or virtual workshop for high school students, deals with the topic of human trafficking and fosters empathy and action. The workshop includes the 11-minute Scarlet Cord film, a short presentation, and an opportunity to create an awareness painting. Participants are invited to take the Do 1 Thing Challenge to combat sex trafficking—our modern day slavery.
Social Justice Art
Healing in Arts’ awareness exhibits include a variety of multimedia installations, representing both the pain and the potential of vulnerable individuals, like at-risk teens, veterans, or sex trafficked children. These advocacy care projects can be expanded to include interactive activities. Our projects and presentations inform viewers how they can get involved.
Healing in Arts Station
The Healing in Arts Station invites action, operating alongside the awareness art. This interactive space promotes healing through providing free art materials for community engagement. Staffed with local volunteers, the station also offers additional educational resources regarding pornography, rape, and the sex trade.
The Scarlet Cord Film and Presentation
The Scarlet Cord, an 11-minute movie filmed during the 2015 Super Bowl in Phoenix, highlights responses from the public as they experience The Scarlet Cord installation and learn about the dark side of the sex industry. Our PowerPoint presentation includes inspirational stories, giving voice to the survivors, to help the audience connect and understand the problem. Following the program, local volunteers will facilitate an invitation to respond.