4 March 2025

From today, visitors to Southwark Cathedral will be able to see Hestia’s Art is Freedom exhibition in the Cathedral’s Churchyard. The exhibition features artwork and photography created by survivors of modern slavery supported by Hestia, who take part in workshops before choosing their best pieces. 

The exhibition has previously been displayed at other iconic London locations such as Trafalgar Square, Waterloo and Victoria stations. 

Each year The Cathedral highlights a specific area of social justice for attention and action, and this year they have chosen to focus on modern slavery and exploitation. Throughout 2025, they will be running a programme of talks, events, exhibitions, stalls and workshops to raise awareness of this issue. 

Patrick Ryan, Chief Executive of Hestia, said:

“We’re delighted that The Very Reverend Dr Mark Oakley and Southwark Cathedral are choosing to shine a spotlight on the hidden crime of modern slavery. Our research has found that cases of modern slavery are uncovered by the police in every single London borough each year. And yet, the majority Londoners don’t think it’s something that happens in their local area. We look forward to working with the team at the Cathedral to raise much-needed awareness and understanding, as we all have a role to play in preventing this crime.”

The Very Rev’d Dr Mark Oakley, Dean of Southwark, added:

“This year Southwark Cathedral is focusing on the abuse of human dignity known as ‘modern slavery’. It is vital that we deepen our awareness of this evil, are able to spot signs and know where to report our concerns, and support the survivors as they try to rebuild their lives after such abuse and fear. These works of art by survivors moved me deeply. One of the pieces – Butterfly – reminded me especially of the beauty of freedom, and of how we must protect it as the precious foundation it is to our human life and the relationships that matter most.”

You can see the exhibition at Southwark Cathedral from 4 March until 3 June 2025, in the Cathedral’s Churchyard (entry via the Cathedral).

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