Metrolink passengers will see portraits of domestic abuse survivors displayed in stations across Greater Manchester throughout May as part of a festival exploring mental and physical health through the arts. The photography project, titled I Am , sees women and men who have experienced or witnessed intimate partner violence (IPV) bravely speak out about the impact of domestic violence in their lives in a series of images taken by celebrated photographer Allie Crewe.
A dozen survivors will have their portraits displayed across 150 Metrolink stations in the region as well as in St Peter’s Square, from 1 to 31 May.
I Am came about as part of Crewe’s post as artist in residence at SafeLives, a UK-wide charity aimed at tackling domestic abuse. It aims to “challenge the narratives around domestic abuse and the perceptions of those affected.” Among those featured in the portraits is actor Sam Beckinsale, who is perhaps best known for her long-running role in the ITV series London’s Burning . Other participants include a Chief Inspector at Avon and Somerset Police.
The installation comes as part of SICK! Festival, which explores physical and mental health through a variety of artistic mediums.
Festival organisers say the exhibition includes “bold and powerful images” that “bear witness to the lives and experiences of survivors of domestic violence from Manchester and across the UK”. A further 33 testimonies are published on Crewe’s website. The award-winning photographer says she seeks “narratives of survival and resilience” and wants to explore “stories of those who grow.”
In 2020, IPV affected 2.3 million adults, with 1.6 million of those being female, according to the Office for National Statistics. SICK! 2022 is running throughout May, and will feature exhibits such as the Menopause Bus Tour and Mindgames Arcade.
