Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), in partnership with ISLAND Arts Centre, is supporting Belfast & Lisburn Women's Aid and the South Eastern Area Domestic and Sexual Violence Partnership to showcase a powerful art exhibition through End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) funding received from The Executive Office.
The exhibition, From Silenced to Sovereign: The Art of Emancipation, will be open to the public at ISLAND Arts Centre, Lisburn, from Tuesday 24 November 2026 to Monday 11 January 2027.
The exhibition will also run during the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence campaign, which takes place from 25 November to 10 December 2026.
From Silenced to Sovereign: The Art of Emancipation is an art exhibition by female survivors of domestic abuse. Each woman has availed of the art therapy service offered by Lydia Burnell at the Women's Aid Lisburn refuge.
The pieces of art on display are a moving visual diary of trauma, survival, healing and hope, revealing seldom told stories of the battlegrounds behind closed doors that are far more common than many realise.
Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of Communities & Wellbeing Committee said: "This is a powerful exhibition, which provides a platform for women to share their experiences of domestic abuse through creativity and self-expression.
“The artwork on display is a testament to the strength, courage and resilience of survivors, while also highlighting the important role that art therapy can play in recovery and healing.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that raise awareness, encourage conversations and help create safer communities for everyone. I would encourage members of the public to visit this exhibition, reflect on the stories being shared and join us in standing against all forms of violence and abuse."
1 in 4 women in the UK will experience domestic abuse in their lifetimes, therefore these are stories that should be at the heart of our thoughts, conversations and policies.
Siobhan Graham, Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid said: “Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid is proud to have introduced this art therapy into our services, recognising the vital role that creative expression can play in recovery from domestic abuse. Thanks to funding provided through Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, and supported through the Executive Office EVAWG Fund, we have been able to offer women a safe and supportive space to explore their experiences, process trauma, and rediscover their voice, strength and identity.
"From Silenced to Sovereign: The Art of Emancipation beautifully demonstrates the resilience of survivors and the transformative impact that specialist support and art therapy can have on a woman's journey from trauma towards healing, empowerment and hope”.
Art psychotherapy, often referred to as art therapy, is a formal therapeutic approach that combines talking and art making. This allows clients to explore themes such as emotions, memories, relationships, identity, and physical and psychological pain through creative expression.
Lydia Burnell, Art Psychotherapist and coordinator of the exhibition, said: “I am deeply moved by this opportunity to showcase the transformational power of art psychotherapy, and for the women to have this incredible, life-affirming moment of being witnessed and having their voices heard.
“I am honoured to have walked alongside each one of them on their journeys and feel a strong sense of solidarity. No woman is exempt from being at risk. This exhibition is very meaningful to all of us.”