Rape Centre celebrates 21 years of helping

WATERFORD Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre is celebrating 21 years of helping victims of sexual violence with a host of events, key among them an exhibition of paintings inspired by the courage of abuse survivors.

The Grace exhibition opens tomorrow and celebrates the tremendous courage and tenacity of survivors of all forms of sexual violence. Given the enormous increase in demand for their service over the past 21 years, it is hoped that Grace will be part of a greater movement to encourage a positive response to the challenge of sexual violence.

The individuals involved include some of the region’s most respected artists and musicians, together with distinguished national and international figures, united in celebration of the work of this inspiring centre.

At the heart of events is an exhibition in The Granary of the work of over 30 nationally and internationally renowned artists. It will be opened by Minister Martin Cullen TD and run until December 31.

In the light of the Ferns Report, it is particularly apt that Grace should be highlighting the stories of survivors of abuse at this time. Colm O’Gorman of the OneinFour group will be the guest speaker at the opening.

WRSAC manager Sheila Vereker will give an overview of the centre’s history.

“All the artists have responded to the history and mission of the WRSAC and, above all, been inspired by the tenacity and courage of survivors of sexual abuse and of those who have worked in the centre through the years,” Sheila Vereker said.

“The tone is therefore positive: many of the works seek to quietly challenge our closely guarded prejudices and attitudes, while others epitomise the resilience of the human spirit.”

In the work of Theresa McKenna the story of a child in a 1930s orphanage is transformed into a series of beautiful handmade books.

Brian Maguire’s work, entitled Bríd Cummins, is an evocative portrayal of a victim of institutional violence.

The majority of the work is available to buy and a limited-edition fine art catalogue which accompanies the exhibition will also be on sale at the gallery.