ST/art

In 2023, we funded the ST/art textile exhibition at The Horsebridge Arts Centre, Whitstable, shining a light on the hidden link between sea pollution and plastic in period products. The Sea-Changers grant helped cover the venue costs and a range of other essential expenses, including workshop room hire, exhibition materials, publicity, and insurance, enabling over 500 visitors to experience the 10-day exhibition, which sparked vital conversations around period poverty and environmental impact.

Community workshops supported the creation of the artwork, with participants learning new textile skills and sharing stories about menstruation, access to eco-friendly products, and the often-ignored environmental footprint of disposable period items. Short films shown at the exhibition highlighted plastic-free alternatives, opening many eyes to the issue.

Feedback from attendees praised the exhibition as “powerful,” “thought-provoking,” and “beautifully curated.” The creative approach helped break taboos and encourage visitors to demand change.
The exhibition had a lasting impact, with an invitation to bring it to Canterbury, furthering ST/art’s goal of creating a model for community-driven change on this important issue. Sea-Changers’ support was key to getting the message out, helping art drive awareness, action, and change, one stitch at a time.