PROGRAMME
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PROGRAMME *
See the full lineup and exhibition outline to the entire event below. Any questions, use the contact form to reach out.
EXHIBITION OUTLINE
UPPER EXHIBITION HALL: THE REAL REVOLT
CURATED BY LEAD CURATOR CLAUDIA CLARE
From cancelled Tate Modern artists to rebellious activists, master puppetmakers and more, this incredible lineup demonstrates the breadth of women’s creativity censored by the current ideologies pushing back against women’s autonomy and creativity.
Elly Arrow
Nordic Model Now Feat. Suzzan blac
Claudia Clare
The Pomidor Group
Rachel Ara
Kelly Frost
Betty Lachgar Pt 2
Victoria Gugenheim Pt 2
Jenny Wenhammar Pt 2
Con-She
Jingo Halibeet
Angela Wild
Virago Women’s Workshop
Shabbana
Caren Garfen
Fanny Graham
LOWER MAIN HALL: BLASPHEMOUS WOMEN
CURATED BY VICTORIA GUGENHEIM
Featuring fierce, rebellious activist artists and boots on the ground crafters who have paved the way for women and girls, from Scotland to Iran, Morocco and beyond. Full guided tour available at lunchtime. To see more about each artist, go here.
Featured artists on the lower floor:
Laura Becker, USA
Dis_Critic
Betty Lachgar Pt 1
Victoria Gugenheim Pt1
Jenny Wenhammar Pt 1
Maryam Namazie
Selkie Stitching
Jenny Reilly
Nayeon Lee
CEMB
Pam Isherwood
Lucy Brown
Pauline Makeovitchoux
Heli St Luce
Haram Doodles
Painted Powerful, My Body is Mine! (31st May Only)
Stalls/Take Action Tables:
Lily Maynard
Nordic Model Now
Medusa Rising
MACS
Heli St Luce
Jill “Ray” Raymond
You My Sister
FULL CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
DAY ONE
10:00 Doors Open
MAIN HALL:
10:00-10:30 Registration, Meet and Greet
Please have your tickets ready at the door!
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10:30 - 11:00
A Warm Welcome From our Founder
A warm welcome from Victoria Gugenheim, our founder an introduction to our packed and vital programme, showcasing the importance of rebel women's voices and creativity in changing the world, and what Women Create is achieving.
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11:10 - 12:30
Plenary Panel -We Are Women, Our Bodies Cannot Be Cancelled!
Speakers:
Victoria Gugenheim (Chair), Ray Raymond (Greenham Women Everywhere) , Maryam Namazie (Council of Ex Muslims of Britain) , Jenny Wenhammar (FEMEN) , Betty Lachgar (M.A.L.I)
Women's bodies are often seen as a battleground; policed, censored or exploited. Here, notable activists discuss why women's bodily autonomy must extend to working with them in protest as a force for greater good, how we can work together and support eachother despite disagreements on this activism, and finally dismantling the sexist and misogynist myths, misinformatiom and tropes about topless activism worldwide from Iran to the UK and beyond. Drawing on rich history from 70's radfem bodyart activists all the way to The Free Amina Campaign and Body Riot!, we discuss how working with our bodies builds solidarity, action and hope, especially with women who are oppressed in Islamist countries.
Followed by a Q and A
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12:30 - 13:30
Lunch and Guided Tour of the Exhibition
Guides:
Claudia Clare (The Real Revolt! Upper Floor)
Victoria Gugenheim (Blasphemous Women, Lower Floor)
During Lunchtime, you will be able to take a full guided tour of this groundbreaking exhibition with discussion of the works afterwards. We are unable to provide lunch in order to keep ticket prices low, but there is an affordable café in the building.
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13:45 - 14:20
Singing Showcase: Nehanda Music
Uplifting, powerful original songs from the rising star Nehanda of Nehanda Music, previously platformed at FiLia!
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14:20 - 15:40
Panel: Aesthetic Policing,Survivorship & Self Expression in Women's Movements
Speakers:
Elly Arrow (Red Light Exposé), Genevieve Moon, Nehanda Music, Valerié Tender, Victoria Gugenheim (Chair)
Survivors of the sex trade and other nonconforming women come to feminist movements for solidarity and can end up finding anything but, instead being criticised and policed until they are forced to leave. Here, Victoria Gugenheim, Elly Arrow (Red Light Exposé), international activist Valerie Tender, activist Genevieve Moon, and Nehanda (Nehanda Music) discuss the policing, pariahship and persecution of survivors in the movement who in reality, need solidarity the most, drawing on survivor stories of those who have the sex trade and more, discussing how they have been affected by the movement and how that impacts collective creativity and self expression, often resulting in censoring women and a lack of new ways of thinking. Here, we ask and explore what to do about it to propel and evolve respective activist movements forwards with greater openness, connectivity and solidarity where women can be truly championed.
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15:40 - 16:00
Break
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16:00 - 17:10
Plenary Panel: Cancelled Female Creatives in Publishing
Khadija Khan (A Further Inquiry), Victoria Gugenheim (Chair), Jenny Lindsay (Hounded), Jane Clare Jones (Radical Notion), Esmeé Streichailt (Medusa Rising)
Esmee Streichailt (Medusa Rising), journalist Khadija Khan (Battle of Ideas, A Further Inquiry) esteemed poet and author of Hounded, Jenny Lindsay and Jane Claire Jones discuss the cancel culture in publishing, including the silencing, hounding tactics, and how we can relcaim women's words and works from here.
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17:10 - 17:30
ACTIVITY: Protest! Your Body, Your Riot!
Jenny Wenhammar (FEMEN)
Join veteran FEMEN activist Jenny Wenhammar in an art protest for our bodies and rights, using the power of creative protest to reclaim our bodies after abuse, take up space, and stand our ground! Woman! Life! Freedom! Participation isn’t mandatory but is definitely a lot of fun.
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17:30 - 18:30
Plenary Panel - Revolution Needs Culture- We are That Culture!
Con She, Haram Doodles, Shelley Segal, Claudia Clare, Victoria Gugenheim (Chair)
In conversation, Claudia Clare Ceramics, Con She, Shelley Segal, and Victoria Gugenheim : The importance of feminist art, culture creation, spaces and activism in the fight for women’s voices, spaces and liberation. Oftentimes, the glue that holds a movement together is the art, such as in the case of Lucy Hunter Blackburn's Women's Rights Auld Lang Syne, and the banners of Selkie Stitching and Jenny Reilley. Without these and other multiple morale boosters, women in the fight lose courage and hope. The activist and cultural art, as well as the art that comes from wanting a better world as a result of our struggles, cements the visuals of a new culture, with music too, being "The Quickening Art" that helps fuel us. We discuss how these and how creating exhibitions around our lives, wants and experiences are integral to women's fight for autonomy. You cannot have a revolution without creating culture. We are that culture!
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18:30 - 19:00
18:30-19:00 Poetry, Song and Revolution!
Heli St Luce, Rebecca Mordan (Scary Little Girls), Shelley Segal, and more.
Ending the first day with a creative bang! Showcasing rebel poets Genevieve Moon and Heli St Luce, Songs from Rebecca Mordan, Shelley Segal and a final song for the women's revolution.
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19:00 - 20:00
Main Hall closed to make the disco space
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20:00 - 22:30
FRIEND OF SAPH’S BAD TASTE GUERILLA DISCO- BRING YOUR OWN BOTTLE!
Free UV face and body paint, Tasteless 80's/90's/Punk Rock/Riot Grrl and Techno beats, plus select requests. Bring your own bottle and snacks and dance the evening away.
WOMEN ONLY
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ROOM 2: UPPER EXHIBITION HALL
11:00 - 19:00
The Real Revolt! Women Create Exhibition
Carefully lead-curated by Claudia Clare, this groundbreaking exhibition features some of the most talented female artists to have been cancelled, including The Pomidor Group, Rachel Ara, Caren Garfen, Jenny Wenhammar, Elly Arrow, Victoria Gugenheim, Con-She, Kelly Frost and many more. The world's first exhibition to have cancelled V&A andTate artists mixed with boots on the ground feminist and female activists under one roof. The exhibition will be open all day for people to have a look around, with a full guided tour available at lunchtime with a breakout discussion group afterwards.
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ROOM 3: UPSTAIRS BREAKOUT ROOM
13:30 - 14:30
The Real Revolt! Exhibition Discussion Group (Max 20)
Fort those who want to get into the full detail and meaning of our stunning exhibition pieces by Tate, Tate Modern, award winning and V and A artists, as well as work from incredible and impactful female activists.
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16:30 - 18:00
Groomed! A Creative Workshop (Max 12)
Heli St Luce
Heli St Luce leads Groomed! A creative workshop for women to access themselves, rise rooted and create art.
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19:00 - 20:00
The Open Mic Hour of Power!
Rebecca Mordan
An hour of creative revelry hosted by Rebecca Mordan of Scary Little Girls,for women who want to to exercise their creative talents, sing, dance, recite their poetry or raise a laugh. Women Only.
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20:00 - 22:30
Networking: Wine, Cheese and a Conspiracy to Commit Artistry (Max 20)
Evening networking: Wine, Cheese and Conspiracy to Commit Artistry. Both Sexes welcome
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ROOM 4: DOWNSTAIRS LOUNGE AND KITCHEN AREA
11:00 - 19:00
Chillout Area, Refreshments and First Aid
If you need a sit down, a cup of tea or a plaster, this is the room for you.
DAY TWO
MAIN HALL
11:00 - 11:20
Women Create, Women Rise!
Welcome, coffee and sign in
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11:20- 16:20 The Women Create International Feminist Film Festival
(with breaks and lunch scheduled inbetween)
11:20 - 13:20
Vaishnavi Sundar - Behind the Looking Glass with Q and A
Vaishnavi Sundar, Rebecca Morden/ (chair)
Conference premiere of the groundbreaking new film Behind the Looking Glass, with Q and A with the creator, Vaishnavi Sundar (ZOOM)
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13:20 - 13:30
Break For Refreshments
Tea/Coffee/Snacks
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13:30 - 14:10
Film: UK Premiere: The Art of Resistance with Q and A
Maryam Namazie (CEMB, One Law For All), Victoria Gugenheim
In this groundbreaking film that had its world premiere at The World Humanist Congress to a sold out audience, this documentary uncovers and explores how Maryam Namazie (Founder) and Victoria Gugenheim (Core Artist) of The Council of Ex Muslims of Britain are using art, creativity and art activist protest and even joy, to challenge Radical Islamist Fundamentalism while lifting the voices of marginalised apostates, including those who have fled oppressive regimes. This UK Premiere with Maryam Namazie and Victoria Gugenheim also has a Q and A afterwards.
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14:10 - 15:00
LUNCH - Guided Tour of The Real Revolt! Exhibition
Claudia Clare (The Real Revolt- Upstairs)
Victoria Gugenheim (Blasphemous Women - Downstairs)
During lunch, a guided tour will be given to the whole exhibition along with Q and A for those who are curious
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15:00 - 15:30
World Exhibition Premiere: Painted Powerful, The Story so Far
Ana Martinez, Shelley Segal, Genevieve Moon, Victoria Gugenheim (Creator)
In this presentation and world first exhibition of Painted Powerful, My Body is Mine, portraits of survivors using the power of body art to take back their bodily autonomy by world award winning bodypainter and Marvel MUA tutor Victoria Gugenheim, are showcased along with the uplifting and moving stories of their transformational journey.
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15:30 - 16:20
Women Create Short Film Fest: Women's Rage, Women's Bodies, Women's Art!
Faravaz Faravini, Con She, Nayeon (FEMEN South Korea), Eliana Silver , Heli Maxi (Nordic Model Now)
Faravaz Faravini, “Mullah” Music Video 02:42
Faravaz Faravani “Taxi Driver” Music Video 03:17
Con She: “Be Kind” 01:08
Con She “Walking on Eggshells” 02:22
Nayeon: “The Sweetest Temptation” 07:24
Nayeon: “Have No Problem at All” 03:25
Eliana Silver: “Dare” a documentary 22:46
“Dare” explores Khadija Khan's journey as she seeks freedom through open dialogue and activism against religious misogyny. Having left her conservative Muslim background in Pakistan years ago, she now confronts her own trauma and societal expectations, all while honoring her late mother's legacy of challenging traditional roles and advocating for liberation.
Heli Maxi “Muh Green” 02:14
Heli Maxi: “Important Guidelines for Ladies” 03:40
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16:20 - 17:20
Mass Plenery Panel -Working Class Women in the Arts and Art Activism
Angela Wild, Paula Boulton, Rebecca Mordan, Victoria Gugenheim (chair), Nehanda Music
Working Women: Class, Activism, Art - Paula Boulton, Angela Wild, Victoria Gugenheim(Chair), Nehanda Music and Rebecca Morden discuss the importance of working class visibility, access to funding, classist and elitist barriers that still exist and exacerbate cancellation, damaging tropes and how they fuel inequality especially for women artists, and much more in this groundbreaking panel .
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17:20 - 17:40
Break
Break for refreshments
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17:45 - 18:45
Finale Megapanel: Rising From Cancellation : Preserving and Extending Freedom in the Arts for Women
Con She, Angela Wild , Claudia Clare, Rebecca Mordan,Victoria Gugenheim (Chair), Rachel Ara, Denise Fahmy (Freedom in the Arts)
After the Supreme Court Ruling, the arts world has increased its backlash against female artists, making the arts world even more hostile to women. In this explosive finale panel, we discuss how Women Create is creating the antidote to the censorious arts world, and what we can do to preserve, restore, establish and extend women's creative rights worldwide.
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18:45 - 19:00
Join in the Chant! Chant for Freedom!/Find Our Way to Freedom
Everyone! Shelley Segal
Jump, sing, scream for artistic freedom with dissenting female voices in an act of collective joy! Featuring finale song from the award winning artist Shelley Segal, "Find Our Way to Freedom"
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19:00
Thank You and Close
A heartfelt thank you for all of those who made it happen.
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11:00 - 19:00
ROOM 2: UPSTAIRS EXHIBITION HALL
The Real Revolt!
Carefully lead-curated by Claudia Clare, this groundbreaking exhibition features some of the most talented female artists to have been cancelled, including The Pomidor Group, Rachel Ara, Caren Garfen, Jenny Wenhammar, Elly Arrow, Victoria Gugenheim, Con-She, Kelly Frost and many more. The world's first exhibition to have cancelled V&A,Tate and Tate Modern artists with boots on the ground feminist and female activists under one roof. The exhibition will be open all day for people to have a look around, with a full guided tour available at lunchtime with a breakout discussion group afterwards in room 3.
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ROOM 3: UPSTAIRS BREAKOUT ROOM (MAX 20)
12:00 - 13:00
We Are Weavers, We Are Web Workshop (Max 12)
Jill "Ray" Raymond
Veteran activist and trustee of Greenham Women Everywhere Jill "Ray" Raymond demonstrates the collective power of webweaving as interconnected story in this hands on workshop for women only.
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13:30 - 14:30
Fundraising Tips with Freedom in the Arts Workshop (Max 20)
Denise Fahmy
Denise Fahmy of Freedom in the Arts gives her tips and tricks on fundraising for the female artists who need it.
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15:30 - 16:30
The Real Revolt Exhibition Discussion Group (Max 20)
For those who wish to discuss and think about the groundbreaking work featured in the Women Create exhibitions.
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17:20 - 18:20
Shelley Segal- How to Make Collective Song (Max 20)
Shelley Segal
Shelley Segal demonstrates the collective joy of group songmaking and its importance in spreading unity.
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ROOM 4: DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN/LOUNGE
12:00 - 13:00
Body Riot! Body Art Activism Workshop (Women Only)
Victoria Gugenheim
Victoria Gugenheim takes you through Body Riot! The Body Art Activism Workshop based on Painted Powerful , using body art to get back in touch with your body after trauma. Women Only.
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12:00 - 19:00
Chill out Area/Refreshments/First Aid
Quiet space for a sit down, a pick-me-up or First aid.
