CASWA Exhibition in Thurso Highlights Domestic Abuse Artwork

A new exhibition titled A Light in the Dark will open next month at the Thurso Art Gallery, showcasing artwork aimed at raising awareness about domestic abuse. Organised by Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid (CASWA), the exhibition aims to highlight the charity’s efforts to support women, children, and young people affected by domestic violence. The exhibition will be available for viewing throughout October.

The artworks displayed have been created by individuals who have benefitted from CASWA’s support services. Each piece provides a unique perspective on the experiences of domestic abuse, allowing the voices of the charity’s clients to be heard and respected. CASWA emphasises the importance of “creative healing” in fostering community dialogue about such critical issues.

Gillian Hossack, manager of CASWA, expressed gratitude for the contributions of the artists and commended women’s worker Juliette Currums for her involvement in the project. Hossack stated, “The CASWA team is delighted to have brought this exhibition to life alongside the incredible individuals we support. Special thanks go to Juliette for her leadership and dedication throughout the project.”

The exhibition will officially open on October 1 from 14:00 to 16:00, with an open invitation to the community to attend. Visitors can view the artwork at the gallery, located at the rear of Thurso’s library, during the following hours: Monday from 10:00 to 18:00, Tuesday from 10:00 to 20:00, Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:00, Thursday from 10:00 to 13:00, Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00. The gallery is closed on Sundays.

Looking ahead, CASWA will also participate in a project titled “Sixteen Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence,” which is set to begin on November 25 and run until December 10. This initiative, now in its fifth year, will see 16 books shared through “book drops” across Caithness and Sutherland over a 16-day period. The project aims to combat gender-based violence by highlighting literature that features strong female characters and feminist themes.

Currums remarked, “Sixteen days is an important time in the CASWA calendar. It is crucial for us not just to support those affected by abuse but also to fight against the causes of gender-based violence.” She encouraged community members to suggest books that have inspired them, aiming to enrich the project’s offerings.

CASWA is available for contact via phone at 0345 408 0151 or email at [email protected] (note that the charity does not operate on evenings or weekends). The Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline can be reached 24/7 at 0800 027 1234.

For more information about the exhibition and CASWA’s services, please visit their official website. The A Light in the Dark exhibition promises to be a significant event, shedding light on the important issue of domestic abuse through the lens of creative expression.