A public art campaign
Against gender-based violence and the silence that enables it. Anonymous art in public places. Uncomfortable truths. A call to stop looking away.
First public work: November 2026
It isn't one event.
It isn't one city or one country.
The intention is much bigger than that. South Africa is just where we begin.
About the campaign
What happens when people know someone is being abused, and choose to look away?
DON'T LOOK AWAY is an independent, artist-led public art campaign confronting gender-based violence, domestic abuse, rape, sexual assault and the silence that lets them continue.
It isn't only about violence. It's about how people respond to it:
Through public art, installations, performance, music and photography, the campaign interrupts ordinary days in busy places and asks people to face the violence they've learned to ignore.
No statistics posters. No slogans. The art is the campaign.
Men and women both keep the silence. And survivors aren't only women. This campaign speaks to everyone.
We will never ask anyone to confront a violent person or put themselves at risk. Looking away is a choice. So is caring enough to respond safely, by calling for help, believing someone, or staying with them.
The creative brief
From your perspective, what does looking away from gender-based violence, domestic abuse, rape or sexual assault look like?
We're not asking for existing artwork. We're inviting you to create an original piece that answers this question, in your own medium and your own way.
It doesn't have to be literal. You don't need to show bruises or blood. Some work will be direct and confronting. Some will be abstract, poetic or quietly unsettling. Both belong here.
It doesn't have to be liked.
It has to make people stop, look and think.
Open call · South Africa + worldwide
I'm building something. It's ambitious. It's uncomfortable. And it's meant to matter. I need artists, and I mean all of them.
If you create shit, I want you.
Professional, emerging, student, self-taught or hobbyist. You don't need to be famous. You need to take the subject seriously. Not an artist? Builders, drivers, organisers and people with tools, space or materials are just as needed.
You don't sign it.
Your details stay private. We keep them only to coordinate, record consent and keep everyone safe. They are never published with the work.
Because this isn't about the artist. It's about what the art makes someone see.
The work should speak before the artist does. The message is bigger than any name attached to it.
Different artists. Different mediums.
One collective voice.
The deal
This isn't a competition and it isn't a commission. It's an ongoing movement you can be part of. Here's what that means.
Your art. Your choice.
Public art & activations
The work goes where people aren't expecting it, to reach people who would never walk into an exhibition or an awareness event. Someone on an ordinary day turns a corner and finds something that stops them. That moment is part of the art.
Guerrilla in spirit. Not vandalism.
*With permission. Every site is checked for safety, access and permission, and every piece can be installed and removed without harm.
First activation
November 2026
The first public work is being planned now, with artists who are ready and available. Location and date will be shared when they're confirmed.
Photos and film of each piece will be posted here and on Facebook once it's up.
How it works
Fill in the form below. It takes about five minutes and replaces a long DM conversation.
We're working through every registration and contact people as activations are planned.
Talk through your concept, your site and what you need, alone or with others.
Create in your own time. It joins the campaign as one collective voice.
It's installed, documented and seen. When its time ends, it comes back to you.
Thank you to everyone who has already reached out. The response has been overwhelming. If you've messaged us on Facebook, please register here too so nobody gets lost.
Fields marked * are required.
Support or collaborate
Public art needs more than artists. If you can help it happen, we'd like to hear from you.
We don't announce partners until we've agreed together.
What we collect. Only what you type into the forms on this page: your name, contact details, location, skills, how you'd like to take part and anything you choose to tell us.
Why. To coordinate the campaign: to contact you about taking part, plan activations and record that you agreed to the participation guidelines.
Your name stays off the art. Participant details are never published with artwork or in public posts.
Who sees it. Only the people organising DON'T LOOK AWAY. We don't sell or share your details, and we won't add you to marketing lists.
Your rights. Under South Africa's Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) you can ask to see, correct or delete your details at any time. Email info@donotlookaway.org to ask.
Personal stories. You never have to share your own experience to take part. If you choose to, we won't use it without your clear permission.