Full decriminalisation of sex work is the rallying cry that unites the sex worker rights movement across the world. Under this banner, sex workers and their allies have fought tirelessly for strong workers’ rights, an end to exploitation, an end to criminalisation, and real measures to address poverty. Decriminalised Futures is a celebration of this movement. This exhibition is a testament to what can be created when we use this movement as our inspiration; when we take politicised sex worker organising as our starting point.
‘An urgent and vital call to action.’
Decriminalised Futures is a group exhibition featuring thirteen international artists whose work speaks to the multiplicity of contemporary sex worker experiences.
The exhibition highlights the history of the sex worker rights movement and its inextricable links to issues of racial and social justice, migrant rights, labour rights, anti-austerity work, and queer and trans liberation.
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The works in the exhibition – comprising ten distinct projects from the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States – include moving image, embroidery, linocut prints, bookmaking, writing, drawing, gaming and sculpture.
Through an interdisciplinary approach, themes of sacred space, mental health, gender, racial justice, joy, pain, disability, tenderness and desire become tools for solidarity and elicit conversations rooted in the imaginaries of a decriminalised future.
Decriminalised Futures features works from Tobi Adebajo, Khaleb Brooks, Chi Chi Castillo and May May Peltier, Cory Cocktail, Hanecdote, Liad Hussein Kantorowicz, Letizia Miro and Yarli Allison, Aisha Mirza, Annie Mok, pxr•mxt•r, and Danica Anna Uskert-Quinn.
Alongside the exhibition, the ICA will host a programme of events curated by Decriminalised Futures.
A chapbook containing documentation of the exhibited works alongside texts and quotes from the panel discussions at SWARM’s 2019 festival will be published alongside the exhibition.
Recordings from an evening of poetry concerning power and pleasure with six contemporary writers: Paige Murphy, Cassandra Troyan, Aisha Mirza, Mercedes Eng, Irene Silt and Maya Martinez.
A triple-bill screening of international sex worker-made films from Brazil, Thailand and Germany with an introduction by sex worker activist, artist and filmmaker Cass Traitor.
Curator Tour with Yves Sanglante Thursday 3 March & Friday 1 April Co-Curator Yves Sanglante gives a 45-minute overview of the exhibition, introducing the artists’ work and discussing creativity as a tool to explore topics that impact the lives of sex workers.
An evening of poetry concerning power and pleasure with six contemporary writers: Paige Murphy, Cassandra Troyan, Aisha Mirza, Mercedes Eng, Irene Silt and Maya Martinez.
Curator Tour with Elio Sea Wednesday 4 May Co-Curator Elio Sea gives a tour that speaks to the wider context of the exhibition and its connection to different organising contexts and struggles.
Ticket Prices
£5, free for ICA Members & every Tuesday
Free exhibition entry with every ticket to the Cinema or Theatre
no. 236848.