Survivors voice art exhibition launches at Truro Cathedral
The exhibition features artists who have lived experience of abuse
Last updated 7th Mar 2023
An exhibition featuring artists who have lived experience of abuse has launched at Truro Cathedral.
‘If I told you, what would you do?’ will run throughout this month, from March 7 to March 22. It shares nine artworks and a musical piece by two artists Sarah Troughton and David Creese, who both have been victims and survivors of abuse.
The exhibition, which is a joint initiative by Truro Cathedral and the Diocese of Truro, started life in a joint project between Safe Spaces and the Diocese of Newcastle.
Sarah told us: "I'd been a victim of abuse within the family, physical abuse and emotional abuse. I had been to church, individually, and a youth leader was aware of the abuse I was suffering and actually used it to find a way of abusing me.
"It takes a long time for somebody to actually speak up about abuse. They've taken a lot of time thinking about who they might choose to speak to. If they get a bad response, even when they just test the ground with even a hint of what they've experienced, if they get a bad response they may never speak again".
The show’s purpose is to promote the physical and psychological wellbeing of those who have experienced trauma and abuse - and reflects on the experiences of two people who suffered abuse within and outside of church environments.
It hopes to enable those visiting the exhibition to develop compassion and competence in how we hear, stand alongside, and respond to those who have such experiences.
The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Truro, said:
"We are working hard to ensure that safeguarding is a key priority right across our diocese and giving a platform to survivors and their voice is central to that. We hope this exhibition will inform and educate us and challenge visitors coming to see the artworks".
One of the main focuses of the exhibition is to promote safeguarding within church and community environments and ensure they're safe places for people to go - as well as encourage a space for people with experience of abuse to hear similar stories.
Dean of Truro, The Very Simon Robinson, said: "It is an honour to host this important exhibition which will rightly challenge us and anyone who comes into the cathedral to see the artworks of survivors.
"Safeguarding must be at the heart of our life as the church and in society. I echo Bishop Philip’s words, listening to the voices of survivors is central to understanding how important safeguarding is".
David said: : "It’s wonderful that the Diocese of Truro and Truro Cathedral have embraced this project so warmly. I’m greatly encouraged by their welcoming response to our initiative, and I hope that the exhibition and the accompanying resources will inspire and support all those who are looking for ways to make communities in Cornwall safer for people, like us, who have experienced abuse in the church".
The exhibition is free and will run from today (Tuesday 7 March) until March 22, between 10am – 5pm each day - and 12pm – 4pm on Sundays.