The Lanzarote Convention Exhibition
Focused Light has always been about more than creating art, it is about providing male survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) a space to explore, express, and reclaim their narratives. The project offers a safe, creative environment where survivors can connect, reduce isolation, and confront the shame and silence that so often accompany their experiences. For many, participation in Focused Light has been their first opportunity to hold space, teach, and facilitate workshops, sharing their skills with peers while building confidence and resilience.
Recently, Focused Light reached a milestone: the submission of artwork by two of our directors, Ezra Rickman, and A Lyons —to the Lanzarote Convention: 15 Years of Protecting Children from Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. This exhibition, held under the auspices of the Maltese Presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers and in collaboration with the Brave Movement, showcased the lived experiences of survivors of CSA through visual art, spoken word, and written reflections. It provides a powerful international platform for survivors to have their voices heard, their experiences recognised, and their advocacy amplified.
Understanding the Exhibition: Breaking the Silence
The Lanzarote Convention, adopted by the Council of Europe, seeks to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse. Its 15th anniversary exhibition marked this milestone by giving survivors the opportunity to share their experiences through art. The exhibition’s objectives were clear:
- Raising Awareness: It sought to increase public understanding of the realities of CSA and the importance of protecting children’s rights.
- Advocating for Change: By highlighting survivors’ perspectives, the exhibition called for stronger preventive and protective measures against CSA.
- Shattering the Silence: The exhibition aimed to challenge the silence and stigma surrounding CSA, providing survivors with a platform to speak openly about their experiences.
- Inspiring Action: It encouraged societal and policy-level action to ensure children are believed, heard, and protected.
Through this exhibition, survivors transform deeply personal experiences into advocacy and education, reaching audiences far beyond the artistic community. It allows art to serve as a medium for social impact, fostering dialogue, understanding, and change.
Ezra Rickman – Whispers
Ezra Rickman’s piece, Whispers, conveys the lingering mental health impacts of abuse, particularly relating to experiences of psychosis and recovery. Created during a period of intense personal struggle, the artwork reflects a fragmented reality and the profound internal challenges faced by survivors.
For Ezra, participating in the The Lanzarote Convention exhibition was an act of courage and advocacy. His work transforms personal trauma into a means of raising awareness about the psychological consequences of childhood sexual abuse, demonstrating the therapeutic and communicative power of art. Whispers exemplifies the skill, professionalism, and creative insight of survivors, showing how it can lead, create, and influence dialogue on an international stage.
A Lyons – 1 in 6
Antony Lyons’ work captures the internalised trauma and enduring shame experienced by male survivors. His piece depicts a child surrounded by faceless, threatening adult figures, symbolising the fear, danger, and disbelief that survivors often encounter. The central figure seeks safety and understanding while reflecting the distorted self-image that abuse can create.
Submitting this work to an international exhibition allowed Antony to share his story while giving visibility to experiences that are too often silenced. His artwork is both a personal act of healing and a public statement, challenging audiences to confront the realities of CSA and recognising the resilience of survivors.
Empowerment Through Art and Facilitation
The process of creating and submitting artwork is inseparable from the ethos of Focused Light. For many survivors, participating in workshops has been their first opportunity to hold a space, teach, and facilitate. By stepping into these roles, survivors gain confidence, experience, and a sense of agency over their own stories.
The submissions to the Council of Europe exhibition reflect this growth. They demonstrate how survivors can translate deeply personal experiences into compelling creative expression, and how these works can influence social dialogue and policy awareness. Each piece exemplifies courage, resilience, and the transformative power of creativity.
The Role of Funders and Community Support
The achievements of Focused Light would not have been possible without the support of funders who believed in the vision. Their investment enabled workshops, safe creative spaces, and mentorship that prepared members to take on facilitation. Funders’ support underscores the importance of trusting survivor-led initiatives and recognising the transformative potential of art in personal healing and societal impact.
Looking Ahead: Growth and Continued Advocacy
The submission of artwork into public exhibitions marks a milestone and a starting point. Focused Light remains committed to supporting survivors in developing their creative skills, facilitating workshops, and participating in public advocacy. We look forward to expanding artistic mediums, creating further opportunities for peer-led facilitation, and enabling more survivors to share their stories.
The Council of Europe exhibition demonstrates how art can amplify survivors’ voices, break isolation, and educate society about childhood sexual abuse. It also highlights the importance of supportive environments, where survivors can explore their creativity, develop confidence, and gain the skills to step into advocacy and public platforms.
Art, Healing, and Advocacy
Through art, survivors reclaim their narratives, challenge stigma, and make meaningful contributions to societal change. Focused Light remains dedicated to providing mentorship, creative space, and opportunities to participate on a broader stage. The artwork is a testament to resilience, a call to action, and a celebration of the transformative power of creativity.
As Focused Light continues to grow, we are inspired by the courage of our members. We look forward to helping more survivors step forward, share their skills, and break the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse. The journey is ongoing, and with continued support, the voices of survivors will reach further, challenge perceptions, and contribute to a safer, more understanding world.
