Research Niche Area

Artivism

as a tool to

combat Gender-Based Violence(s)

SECOND ANNUAL GBV SYMPOSIUM

27 – 28 March 2025

TUT Arts Campus

Canvas for Change:

Creative Pathways to Eradicate GBV

This is precisely the time when artists go to work.

There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity,

no need for silence, no room for fear.

We speak, we write, we do language.

That is how civilizations heal.

– Toni Morrison

The Faculty of Arts and Design at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) proudly announces the 2nd Annual Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Symposium.

This two-day event will focus on “Multi-vocality, Interdisciplinarity and Creative Expressions” in addressing GBV within higher education and society.

Recognising the urgency and critical importance of addressing GBV within the higher education context, we invite scholars, artivists, researchers and practitioners to contribute to this dynamic gathering, exploring innovative, artsbased approaches to activism, healing and advocacy.

Symposium 2025 seeks to foreground the unique role that the creative arts – including, but not limited to fine arts, performance, music, literature, design and digital media – can play in addressing GBV. The symposium will examine

how these mediums can help shift the dial on entrenched gender inequalities, challenge harmful social norms and offer transformative strategies for prevention, intervention and healing.

The symposium will provide a platform for multi-vocal perspectives on GBV, recognising the diversity of experiences and approaches necessary to confront this complex issue. We aim to create a space for rich interdisciplinary dialogue where academic research, creative practice and lived experiences intersect to generate actionable strategies for change.

We encourage submissions from a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to visual and performing arts, design, gender studies, sociology, psychology and education. We are particularly interested in contributions that reflect collaborative and community-engaged approaches.

We invite proposals for academic papers, panel discussions, performances, workshops, exhibitions and multimedia presentations that engage with the following or related themes:

THEMES

• Creativity to Foster Healing: Examining creative expressions supporting survivors’ healing journeys.

• Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Showcasing partnerships between artists, social scientists, health professionals and educators to develop multifaceted responses to GBV.

• Reimagining Gender Relations: Investigating how creative works challenge traditional gender and power conceptions.

• Higher Education and GBV: Addressing challenges within educational institutions through creative, educational and policy interventions.

• Art as a Reflection of Social Norms: Exploring how arts illuminate and challenge cultural structures sustaining GBV.

POTENTIAL WORKSHOP/PANEL DISCUSSION SESSIONS

• Visual Voices: Artivism as a Catalyst for GBV Awareness

• From Pain to Paint: Creative Therapy for Survivors of GBV

• Public Art, Private Struggles: Addressing GBV through Community Art Projects

• Pixels and Protest: Digital Artivism and the Fight against Gender-Based Violence

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

1. Abstracts: Submit a 300-word abstract outlining your proposed contribution, including name, affiliation, contact information and a 150-word biography.

• Paper presentations 20 minutes and 10 minutes Q & A session.

2. Workshops/Discussion Groups/Panel discussions: Submit a 300-word proposal.

• Workshops 30 or 60-minutes.

• Discussion groups/panel discussions: 30-minute engagements.

3. Visual Art Presentations: Submit a 300-word proposal. Maximum three A1-sized artworks per person.

4. Poster Presentations: Submit a 300-word proposal. Maximum three A1-sized posters per person.

5. Performances: Submit a 300-word proposal for performances up to 20 minutes long and 10 minutes Q & A. Include technical requirements and cast size.

6. Films: Submit a 300-word proposal. Films can either be one session (20 minutes and 10 minutes for Q & A) or run over two sessions (50 minutes and 10 minutes for Q & A).

ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS

To submit your abstract, please click here:
https://forms.office.com/r/ggaNZqN1pe

ARTISTIC/WORKSHOP/POSTER/FILM SUBMISSIONS:

To submit your artistic/workshop/poster/discussion group proposal, please click here:
https://forms.office.com/r/1U1cactD6r

IMPORTANT DATES

• Submission Deadline: 17 January 2025

• Notification of Acceptance: 31 January 2025

• Final Submission of Materials for Publicity: 24 February 2025

• Final Submission of Materials for Programme: 10 March 2025

• Presentation Submission: 24 March 2025

• Symposium Dates: 27 – 28 March 2025

REGISTRATION

• Early Bird (until 28 February 2025): R3 000

• Full Registration (after 28 February): R4 000

• Registered Students: R2 000

• Daily Registration: R2 500

GBV SYMPOSIUM CONTACT E-MAIL:

For inquiries, please e-mail ArtivismGBV@tut.ac.za

Join us in exploring the power of creative expression to confront and dismantle Gender-Based Violence, envisioning a future where higher education institutions are places of safety, equity and empowerment for all.

https://www.tutfadshowcase.ac.za/gbv-symposium

Irene Botes
Faculty Marketer
Arts Campus I Building 5
Tel: 012 382 6041
www.tutfadshowcase.ac.za I www.tut.ac.za