On Friday 18th October, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, will officially open a modern slavery art exhibition at Taunton Minster.
The exhibition has been organised by Hidden Voices Bridgwater, a group dedicated to exposing the realities of modern slavery.
The aim of the exhibition is to use the power of art to convey the ongoing crisis of human trafficking, forced labour, and exploitation. Artists have been invited to contribute their works, and each piece is designed to vividly illustrate the stark and often hidden nature of slavery today. The hope is that, through this powerful visual storytelling, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the urgent need for action.
The exhibition will run from 18-23 October. At Evensong on Sunday 20th October, there will be a special talk from Bishop Michael.
In addition to the exhibition, Hidden Voices Bridgwater plans to display a large illuminated sign on the A38, one of Somerset’s main roads. This public display aims to capture the attention of passers-by, bringing the issue of modern slavery into the spotlight and encouraging people to take action.
Sian Owen, co-ordinator of Hidden Voices Bridgwater, will be present at the Minster on 18 October to answer any questions and provide further insights into the campaign. She says, “It is truly horrifying to acknowledge that in 2024 slavery continues to exist, even within Somerset. This exhibition seeks to shed light on this grave injustice and inspire collective action to eradicate it.”
