One Million Stars to End Violence
December 2016 – February 2017 | Civic Arcade
One Million Stars to End Violence is a love and peace filled community project. The beautiful stars are symbols of light, courage and solidarity to end all forms of violence, including violence against women, bullying and racism.
The One Million Stars project was first launched by Queensland artist Maryann Talia Pau in 2012 as a response to the escalating occurrence of racial and domestic violence and violence against women in Australia. Since then, it has grown into an international weaving movement with stars being woven by communities in Australia, New Zealand, the Pacific Islands, Europe and the USA. Some stars have already been part of stunning displays at the Royal Exhibition Building Melbourne, Queen St Mall Brisbane (G20), Myer Melbourne and the Sydney Opera House.
“The One Million Stars project is an opportunity for us to bring light and hope in the world and to make something beautiful and powerful together. We know that domestic violence, violence on our streets, racism and harassment is happening RIGHT NOW and often it is difficult to know what to do to help those who are suffering and to help prevent it.”
“The One Million Stars project is an opportunity to remind each other that we CAN do something about it and not feel paralysed by all that is broken with humanity.” Maryann Talia Pau says about the project.
Wagga Wagga Art Gallery is part of 100 communities across the asia pacific that have a goal of making stars to contribute to the one million stars for an installation during the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018), in partnership with the GC2018 arts and cultural program. The long term goal is be light and courage for each other and not act violently with our words and actions, but with passion and generosity. Our regions target is 10,000 by March 2017 and we are nearly there!
Located in the civic arcade balustrade, stars that have been made from across the Riverina region throughout 2016 are on display until February 2017. Some of the satellite communities are creating their own installations over the Christmas/New Year break. Around 3,500 stars are on display – give or take a few!
For more information about the project go to http://www.onemillionstars.net/