Art project to help healing

A PROCESS to create a commemorative space in Ballarat where people can reflect on issues resulting from sexual abuse is underway and organisers are seeking input.

However, the consultation isn’t a survey or feedback exercise, rather it’ll be a series of art projects aiming for healing, emotional expression and ultimately help discussion about the nature and location of a memorial.

“It’s time for the city to have a place to recognise the past, that helps people in current situations but also for future generations,” said Blake Curran, whose father Peter, was a survivor of sexual abuse.

“I’ve got two kids who need somewhere to go and other families will as well.”

Partners including the Centre Against Sexual Assault, Beyond Empathy, Care Leavers Australasia Network, Compassionate Ballarat, Loud Fence and the City of Ballarat are asking the community and those affected by sexual abuse about what kind of art initiatives they would like to see.

Known as the Continuous Voices Art Project, the input could be through podcasts, drawing, poetry, song writing, or anything else creative.

“The project has come to fruition through the arts and have we hope to have people healing through the workshops next year,” Mr Curran said.

“I’m a teacher, so I can see the wellbeing side of it, especially with kids. But also for adults, they didn’t have access to those means years ago when everything happened. I think it’s going to be a good way to have access to some help. It’s not going to solve problems, but I hope it will help.”

The City of Ballarat has set aside $50,000 in the current budget for the creative projects.

Deputy-mayor Cr Belinda Coates said that responsibility often falls on municipalities once the damage is done though things like child sexual abuse.

“This is a community lead project, so council is facilitating it. We’re responding to the call from various sectors of the community,” she said.

“There are residual issues and through the Compassionate Ballarat Charter we’re recognising we do have a higher average number of people impacted by childhood sexual abuse, and the clergy sexual abuse is part of that.

“It’s something we’re often at the forefront of responding to community concern.”

To get involved with the Continuous Voices Art Project, visit creativeballarat.com.au/continuousvoices.

As part of the process to create a permanent memorial to survivors of institutional child sexual abuse Mr Curran is coordinating a fundraising campaign. To donate visit au.gofundme.com/f/ballarat-abuse-victims-memorial.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with issues resulting from sexual abuse help is available from CASA on 1800 806 292, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.