The Street Fairy Project

'A symbol for the belief in change'

Be your safe space, Share your safe space

 Freedom from, to do, to become

A brief history of the Street Fairy

 'When Stephanie heard about the murder of Sarah Everard, she decided she had to take action. Here, she writes about her powerful street fairies campaign, which has inspired dialogue up and down the country'

Small but powerful, Grout Magazine 2021(British Association for Modern Mosaic, BAMM)

 'I really applaud your efforts to make a safer community / world for women as we know it’s a Global issue, and awareness is key to change. I would love one of your fairies.'

“from little seeds big acorns grow “ Sue, California

Rubbings are made of every Street Fairy made for the project archive. Active count 821

The Street Fairy Project was a response to the rape and murder of Sarah Everard in 2021 by a Met Police Officer. Then followed by  Zara Leena being sexually assaulted and murdered by a repeated offender out of prison on licence, in 2022. These tragic deaths, to just name two, of women who were ‘just walking home’ highlight the evidence of systemic failure in ensuring that women and girls have their right to be safe  and find safety when in public spaces.

The situatation women found themselves in, where the lack of safety sorrounded their every move, was the catalist to forming this project.

Together with communities over 800 fairies have been created, many of the 'global womenhood' of Newport, many fathers, brothers and sons supporting their unity through open participation. Included in the flutter, frolic or rage of these fairy’s, many created were sent to women beyond our rivers and oceans. Each fairy is archived in scrolls of rubbings that capture the essence of each voice or sentiment.  .

 Photo Credit - Kamila J Photography

To bing on this path, I walked the length of Newport observing , feeling and remembering stories of attacks or unease and placed a fairy. I posted my walk thoughts and actions on social media. 

Many women, fathers and husbands requested a #streetfairy for their loved one or self.

'While making these fairies, I felt I was in conversation or responding with those individuals who have been in unsafe situations or felt unsafe, myself included. I posed each winged character carefully - either offering flowers as a gesture of care, suggesting the enchantment of wellbeing or offering a hand of support on pathway to freedom. '

Personal stories of incidents were shared with me, seemingly as an open opportunity to obtain "permission to address", to share their personal moments of fear. The Street Fairy's seemingly became symbols of empowerment for women, "street guardians" with each individual using them as a catalyst to start to heal or psychologically change the energy of spaces. 

“The fairies gave women a sense of positive action by ”revisit(ing) and alter(ing) the space”.  Memories were being challenged and confronted.

The Street Fairy's innocent visual appearance have allowed women to reclaim a child-like freedom to explore a toxic, fearful and sometimes painful subject. Through a symbol emboddied with magic qualities and mischief, they allow playfulness and positive emotive expression to dominate over the subject. Positivity overpowering the negative storylines of conversation. Women being encouraged to transfer a conceptualised power onto these fairy's, adding to the enchanting and engaging image they create.

Placing these symbols in public spaces has been a great reminder of the power of street art - making connection and creating together in the moment, while taking action on issues relating to the safety of all.

Celebrating in partnership

The Street Fairy Project is now delighted to be working together in partnership with Homewards , Women of Newport,and The Riverfront Threatre and Arts Centre

 together we are aiming to engage with greater audiences of women who own the right to feel safe on our streets. Feel confident to have a voice, be heard, seen and not mistreated. 

We are running workshops that engage and welcome women from all demographics.  Delivering opportunities to create art and public art for the city and beyond. Embodying their voice at the heart of each image, every event, exhibition or workshop.

  Photo Credit - Kamila J Photography

Homewards 

'Homewards has one goal: to demonstrate that it’s possible to end homelessness – making it rare, brief and unrepeated.

Launched in June 2023 by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales, Homewards aim is for the Homewards locations to be on a path towards ending homelessness for good. 'A local community group founded in 2019. We bring women together to connect, support and create real change.'

Photo Credit - Kamila J Photography (Women of Newprt )

 Women of Newport

'Women of Newport is a vibrant, inclusive community that empowers and connects women across the Newport area. We believe in the power of shared stories, strong partnerships, and celebrating the achievements of women from all walks of life.'

 Photo Credit - Kamila J Photography

The Riverfront Threatre and Arts Centre

The Riverfront is at the heart of the arts and entertainment scene in Newport  Our aims is to bring as many people together as possible of all ages into contact witharts and creativity through..workshops, fesitivals and events.'