The Art of Surviving is a project bridging the perspectives and work of survivors of sexual violence, educators, activists, and scholars through the lens of a dynamic exhibit of artwork and poetry created by survivors of sexual violence across Virginia. It asks the question: “What is the art of surviving?” in the wake of the experience of sexual violence. The exhibit seeks to raise awareness about the prevalence and scope of sexual violence, its impact on individuals, families, and communities, and the process of moving from victim of sexual violence to survivor.

The Art of Surviving recognizes that survivors are experts on their own experience and that among activists, educators, and scholars, many of us are also survivors. The art and poetry provides survivors, many of whom have felt silenced, a voice with which to discuss sexual victimization and healing and to speak out about the realities of sexual violence and survivorship.