Restless is an arts activism project about community, visibility and voice for survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Restless is about walking in coastal landscapes and using that experience to write poems and songs that talk about survivor journeys - of exposure, navigating challenging territory, being on the edge and the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other.
Restless combines walking with creative research, spoken word, music, combined arts and participatory actions for survivors and allies online and in the landscape. The sea provides a central metaphor of the power of continuous collective action to make change.
In May 2021, Viv walked just over 100 miles from Starcross to Plymouth on the South Devon Coast Path. Along the way she wrote more poems and songs that will be used as inspiration for the Restless album. Viv wrote and recorded video blogs each day too which she shared on Viv Gordon Co social media.
Restless combines walking with creative research, spoken word, music, combined arts and participatory actions for survivors and allies online and in the landscape. The sea provides a central metaphor of the power of continuous collective action to make change.
In May 2021, Viv walked just over 100 miles from Starcross to Plymouth on the South Devon Coast Path. Along the way she wrote more poems and songs that will be used as inspiration for the Restless album. Viv wrote and recorded video blogs each day too which she shared on Viv Gordon Co social media.
JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
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#MyLineInTheSandThe survivor experience is often a lonely one. We want to overcome the isolation by building a community of survivors and allies where we can feel welcome, accepted and know that our voices are heard.
Join our campaign to draw a line under the silencing of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Grab whatever you have to hand to write words of community, connection and belonging and then post it on social media using the hashtag #MyLineInTheSand Words can be written in the sand or anywhere - outdoors we’ve seen people use seaweed, driftwood, leaves and pebbles but we’ve also had contributions made out of playdough, tomato ketchup on a plate and written on steamed up mirrors! It’s the words that matter! Anyone can get involved whether you’re a survivor, know a survivor or just care about the issue. |
Can you help us?
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We're currently trying to raise £500 to help deliver creative walking sessions and activities for survivors in June 2021. The sessions are particularly suited to survivors, survivor allies (family, friends, support workers) and women living with mental or emotional health needs.
During the sessions we will host a short walk together (no more than 2 miles) with an opportunity to take part in simple, fun and creative activities which respond to the coastal landscape. If you'd like to (and are able to!) financially support the work we are doing, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vivgordonco |
She walks...
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We launched She walks… a new music track and animation exploring the unknown territory of surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse on the 25th November (to coincide with the first day of the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence). Inspired by walking coastal landscapes, the short digital artwork shares survivor experiences of feeling far away, navigating difficult journeys and living on the edges of society.
The intention is to give greater voice and visibility to the 11 million adult survivors of CSA in the UK. The end result is starkly beautiful and haunting. It does not flinch away from uncomfortable truths but looks to the sea for inspiration to keep going. The sea represents a positive, restless force which has the power to change the landscape over time. She walks... was inspired by a poem Viv wrote whilst walking along the South West Coast Path on Portland in 2018. |
Restless is supported by public funding from the National Lottery through Arts Council England
with additional support from Strike a Light & Exeter Northcott Theatre
with additional support from Strike a Light & Exeter Northcott Theatre