What: International charity ActionAid has teamed up with leading UK women tattoo artists Grace Neutral, Jade Chanel and Rizza Boo, to throw open the doors to the #MyBodyIsMine pop-up tattoo studio in Carnaby, London. The empowering space for Londoners to join together, speak out and say #MyBodyIsMine is also raising funds for ActionAid’s vital work worldwide which includes ending violence against women and girls.
Limited-edition temporary tattoos, prints, t-shirts and notebooks inspired by the #MyBodyIsMine campaign will be available to purchase. For guests who don’t want to take the tattoo-plunge at the ‘application station’, Boxpark’s House of Henna will be available on Sundays and there will also be face painting on Saturdays. Guests should keep their eyes peeled as ActionAid’s celebrity supporters are set to be working the tills on selected days. The vibrant store will be adorned with specially commissioned artwork of inspiring women ActionAid works with to change attitudes and build a better, safer world.
When: Friday 13 August – Thursday 2 September (Monday to Saturday 11am – 7pm and Sundays 12 – 6pm)
Where: 5 Newburgh Street, Carnaby, London, W1F 7RG
Why: One in three women worldwide will experience physical violence or sexual abuse in her lifetime. Women and girls have the right to control their own bodies: to choose what they wear, where they go, what they do and how they express themselves. This is the idea driving the #MyBodyIsMine pop-up temporary tattoo studio.
Further information:
Frances Longley, Chief Executive at ActionAid UK says, “We are served stark reminders daily that violence against women and girls persists in every community and within every country around the world. At ActionAid, we believe women and girls have the right to be free and to control their own bodies. By supporting the #MyBodyIsMine studio, we can reclaim our bodies, stand with survivors and shine a spotlight on violence against women and girls. The tattoos and the studio are temporary but their power and impact will be permanent.”
Tattoo artist, Grace Neutral says, “I’ve always used my body as an expression of my creativity and, to me, the human body is beautiful in all its forms. I have also been very lucky to be surrounded by strong and creative women throughout my life and that is why it is a real honour to be involved in ActionAid’s #MyBodyIsMine tattoo studio – to celebrate women around the world who are survivors of violence and who are reclaiming their bodies.”
ActionAid works with local women leaders in over 40 countries worldwide to ensure that survivors of violence receive the support they need and are able to access justice for crimes against them. ActionAid also works to change attitudes and transform laws so that no woman has to live in fear of violence.
Samantha Bain-Mollison, Retail Director, Shaftesbury says: "We are delighted to have ActionAid in Carnaby for their #MyBodyIsMine pop-up tattoo studio, their vital work for women and girls worldwide is a great cause to raise funds for. We are looking forward to the success of the pop-up and the support from visitors in the area."
Interviews with tattoo artists available, as well as quotes, images and bios.
Ends
For further information or interview enquiries, please contact frankie.harrington@actionaid.org; or if out of hours, on +44 (0) 7753 973 486.
Notes to editors
ActionAid UK
ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.
Carnaby
Carnaby is in the heart of London’s West End, where over 100 retail brands of quality and distinction and over 60 independent restaurants, cafes and bars can be found across 14 streets, including the world famous Carnaby Street. Carnaby is a unique and iconic experiential shopping, dining and leisure destination.
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