Milton Keynes communities unite for White Ribbon craft art exhibition at MK Rose

Communities and organisations across Milton Keynes have come together to support the White Ribbon campaign with a major craft art exhibition at the MK Rose in Campbell Park. Launched for this year’s MK vigil on 25 November, the project showcases 50 handcrafted pieces created by local groups, artists and survivors of domestic abuse. Each one carries a personal message calling for an end to violence against women and girls, marking both White Ribbon Day and the UN-backed OrangeDay initiative.

The Vigil is organised by volunteers from organisations across Milton Keynes, including Fawcett Society, Soroptimist International, MK City Council, MK:ACT and SAASSBMK. Together, they aim to raise awareness of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which continues through to 10 December. With sexual offences in Milton Keynes rising by 18% in the past year, campaigners say the event has never been more important.

This year’s project invited crafters and creatives from across the city to design works that convey solidarity, hope and resilience. The pieces range from knitted items to sculptures, paintings and needlework. Many reflect the fear and despair felt by those trapped in abusive situations, while others highlight the determination of survivors. Furthermore, students from MK College have photographed each artwork to form a public exhibition displayed in Midsummer Arcade at centre:mk until 10 December.

Jane Whild, founder of Voices of Women MK, led the outreach. She said the response from communities and survivors had been overwhelming. “There is something extremely powerful in the craft and artistic pieces they have created,” said Jane. “This is ‘Craft Activism’, which puts a spotlight on the huge problem of gender-based violence and brings it to the public’s attention in a gentle way. Creating awareness, dialogue and action throughout the year, by working together with organisations across the city, will help promote lasting change for a safer future for women.”

The torchlit CampbellPk Vigil at the MK Rose takes place on 25 November at 6pm. The photographic exhibition is open daily in Midsummer Arcade, beside John Lewis, until 10 December.

Kim Priest, head of marketing at centre:mk, said the exhibition sends a strong message of unity. “Violence toward women must be stopped. By working with these incredible organisations and community groups, we are sending a huge message of support and solidarity to victims of abuse, as well as hope for change. We are proud to host this exhibition and to help it reach thousands of visitors each day.”