London exhibition showcases art by 26 modern slavery survivors
Charity Hestia ran workshops that produced the works, while the anti‑slavery commissioner helped curate the city‑wide display
The Art is Freedom exhibition opened this week, displaying works created by 26 survivors of modern slavery. The display travels to venues across London, aiming to raise public awareness of the crime. Charity Hestia arranged the creative workshops that generated the pieces, and independent anti‑slavery commissioner Eleanor Lyons assisted in curating the show.
Background to the workshops
Hestia runs programmes that help people who have been trafficked rebuild skills and confidence. Over recent months the charity held a series of workshops in which participants were invited to draw, paint and experiment with mixed media. Survivors, many of whom have spent years in isolation, reported that the sessions offered a rare space to express themselves without being defined by their trauma.
Voices from survivors and officials
Victor, a survivor who asked that his surname not be published, described the workshops as a “beam of light” that restored his love of drawing after five decades without a pencil. Mary, another participant, said seeing her painting in the exhibition felt “surreal” and highlighted how colour now represents freedom for her.
“"It's a crime which is hidden, it's out of sight. People don't believe it's happening in their neighbourhood, but it is, and it's on the rise."”
Eleanor Lyons, the independent anti‑slavery commissioner, noted that the cost‑of‑living crisis and cuts to support services have heightened vulnerability, making exploitation more likely. She added that perpetrators are now using digital tools such as artificial intelligence and social‑media platforms to target victims.
The exhibition will remain on view at several venues until the end of November. Organisers encourage residents to attend, share the stories and contact local support lines if they suspect modern‑slavery activity. Information about help services is displayed alongside each artwork.
Questions this report answers
01How many survivors are featured in the exhibition?
The exhibition presents artworks by 26 survivors of modern slavery. Each piece was created during Hestia’s workshops and is being shown at venues across London as part of the Art is Freedom programme.
02Who organised the workshops that created the artworks?
The creative workshops were organised by the charity Hestia. The organisation runs programmes that support trafficked people to rebuild confidence and skills, and it coordinated the sessions that produced the works now on display.
03What estimate did the Hestia chief executive give for the number of people in modern slavery in the UK?
Patrick Ryan, chief executive of Hestia, said the charity estimates that up to 130,000 people are currently living in conditions of modern slavery in the United Kingdom. The figure is used to underline the scale of the problem.
04When does the exhibition close?
The Art is Freedom exhibition is scheduled to remain on display at multiple London venues until the end of November. Organisers have indicated that the final venues will close their shows at the end of that month.
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