What is SHEROES COLLECTIVE
SHEROES COLLECTIVE is an arts organisation dedicated to celebrating women and raising awareness about gender-based violence and women’s representation.
In today’s visual culture, we believe art has the unique power to communicate complex ideas without the need for words. It provides a universal language to inspire thought, foster dialogue, and ignite change.
Gender-based violence and women’s representation are the unspoken crises of our society—looming large yet shrouded in silence. Despite the staggering statistics of women killed, teenagers struggling with body image, women raped or abused, and the cascading effects on our communities, these issues remain taboo. Too uncomfortable, too confronting. But we must act now; this is an emergency, a pervasive form of terrorism that demands our immediate attention.
Our collective unites a powerful community of women activist artists, public institutions, the general public and other key stakeholders to spark vital conversations and drive action toward gender equality through the transformative power of art.
Together, we can envision and create a more equitable world. See it. Say it. Save her.
Action
We take action through collaboration, bringing together experts from diverse fields to share their perspectives, knowledge, and insights. At our core is a vibrant community of women activist artists whose powerful works often go unseen because they challenge the commercial art standards.
Our mission is to drive social change by challenging the visual culture that perpetuates gender violence and confronting the violence that is institutionalised, normalised, and deeply embedded in our society.
Our language is art. Through it, we create a platform for resistance, solidarity, and transformation, working towards a better version of society. Part of our mission is to provide a platform for women activist artists, supporting them as they create the language we want to use.
Our Core Values
Equity: Ensuring fairness by providing tailored support and opportunities to allow each individual achieve their desired outcomes.
Intersectionality: we all have multiple, intersecting identities that affect how we are seen and treated in our society. We are committed to using art to raise awareness on the myriad of ways in which violence is perpetrated against women depending on our backgrounds and identities.
Inclusivity: Creating welcoming environments where all voices and identities are valued and respected. Age, race, class and gender are at the centre when we select artists or work with other social agents. SHEROES COLLECTIVE includes women, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals, without them our mission wouldn’t be complete.
Sisterhood: Fostering mutual support and solidarity, especially among other organisations run by women, to build strong, collaborative communities.
Empathy: Understanding and sharing others’ feelings, promoting compassionate connection and support.
Our commitment
Sustainability
We are committed to reducing unnecessary waste by avoiding the production of flyers, posters, or labels that are not essential. Print materials will be created thoughtfully, prioritizing accessibility for people of all ages and those with vision impairments.
We encourage our artists to design workshops using recyclable materials whenever possible.
Accessibility
We strive to make all our events, talks, and workshops inclusive and accessible to everyone:
- Our fee structure offers different tiers, allowing access to all no matter your financial situation.
- Online events will be recorded, hosted on our website, and can include automated captions upon request. Participants are welcome to turn off their cameras and engage via chat or on-screen as they prefer.
- Physical events will feature a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter when funding allows. As an organisation, we are working towards a model that can truly welcome the Deaf community.
- Talks and walks can be tailored to a specific audience’s needs.
Our Story
SHEROES COLLECTIVE was born out of Lon-art Creative, established in 2010 as a platform to use the arts and community events to address social issues. Over time, we shifted our focus to refugee communities in London and abroad.
As we evolved into a feminist activist organisation advocating for women’s representation in art and systemic change, the SHEROES project was born in 2018. To date, we’ve curated six SHEROES exhibitions, hosted interventions, workshops and panel talks, and reached over 5,000 people, supported by grants, crowdfunding, and partnerships.
Lon-art’s core team, led by women, has worked with diverse organisations and cultural venues to create accessible, impactful initiatives.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported this project, whether as Lon-art Creative or SHEROES, in any form since 2010. Feeling that Lon-art Creative no longer reflected our work and mission, we decided to consolidate everything under the SHEROES name. We’ve created a portfolio of past projects, honoring the communities of women, children, refugees, charities, and others we’ve worked with in India, Lesbos, and beyond.
As the name SHEROES has been embraced by many organisations (which we welcome), we’ve chosen SHEROES COLLECTIVE to better reflect who we are today — a vibrant community of women activist artists, public institutions, and supporters working together with shared values.
Note: we stand for diversity and therefore includes women, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals, without them our mission wouldn’t be complete.
SHEROES Manifesto
We the undersigned believe:
1. Women have been silenced and stifled throughout history
2. Women in literature, art and beyond have traditionally been reduced to negative stereotypes and archetypes
3. Women’s true stories deserve to be brought to the forefront
4. We have to do more to promote the diversity of positive role models in society, in terms of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, social background and class and beyond
5. SHEROES should be an inspiration to everyone, regardless of gender
6. SHEROES don’t need to have been born into a ‘female’ body!
7. Collaboration is a form of sheroism and sorority: no room for egos – let’s work together and share the recognition
8. Strength and power come in different forms – women need referents for strength that are on their own terms, outside of patriarchy
9. Art is political and creative expression can contribute towards changes in society
10. Every day should be the International Day for the elimination of VAWG and every month,Women’s History Month . The fight for gender equality and the elimination of gender-based violence should not be limited to key dates in the calendar. It takes place everyday, all year long.
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Our team
Maria González
Founder & Creative Director
Bisila Noha
Director of Operations
Clotilde Muller
Marketing & Community Lead
Loretta Curtin
Advisor & Grant Writer
Mariona Sauret
Art Director
Partners & Supporters
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SUPPORT SHEROES COLLECTIVE
SHEROES COLLECTIVE is a small organisation with a big heart. We exist thanks to the passion of artists, educators, and volunteers who believe in art as a tool for gender equality and social justice. If you can, please consider supporting us by donating, spreading the word, or connecting us with potential funders and allies.