On the 18^th June from 12-4pm, a free pop up exhibition and live performance is coming to Alington House (North Bailey) aiming to tackle harmful sexual attitudes and behaviours through various creative mediums.

The event is the culmination of Changing Relations’ ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ project which began in September 2021. The project formed a Student Social Action Group, bringing together students aged 17-24 from Durham University, The Northern School of Art, and Bishop Auckland College. Working with the organisation, the group has commissioned artists to put together a zine – ‘You Should Be Flattered’ – and a free public exhibition as part of Durham’s annual Summer in the City festival. The outcome of the ‘Let’s Talk About Sex’ project was informed, in part, by drop in sessions that occurred at the three partner institutions. Data collected from surveys and conversations revealed reoccurring problems across these institutions, including issues with boundaries and consent. The exhibition hopes to facilitate open conversations about ways to change harmful sexual attitudes and behaviours, with the hope that young people will be able to develop and maintain healthier relationships of all kinds.

The art on show includes work from queer feminist artist Lou Brown, aka Goodstrangevibes, who deals with sex education, mental health, and body positivity. The experience  coming to terms with their queer identity and struggles with mental health have informed their creation of vibrant, innovative, and positive illustrations. Brown worked as the artist-in-residence for the initial phase of the project and was recommissioned by the Student Social Action Group to illustrate seven anonymous stories about positive experience of relationships of all kinds.

Alongside Lou Brown’s illustrations, work has been commissioned by other professional artists; Sofia Barton, a Newcastle-based Punjabi artist, whose multidisciplinary works take inspiration from nature and folklore; the bold and experimental work of Bettie Hope (aka Slutmouth) which questions social taboos; James Mernagh (aka Merny Wernz), an artist dealing with concepts of truth in an age of technology; and illustrator Beka Haigh, who brings art to life through performing live illustrations. These artists provide rich and varied techniques and mediums to approach the often tabooed subject matter.

At 2:30pm there will be a performance from the feminist theatre company ‘Menstrual Rage’ who in their work both challenge stereotypes and celebrate womanhood. Their work has included ‘Emma, a play by Emma Woodhouse’, a rethinking of Jane Austen’s novel. Following this, there will be an informal Q&A with a panel of the Student Social Action Group, Pollyanna Turner (Changing Relations’ Artistic Director), and other project partners. There will also be limited free copies of the zine available at the event, on sale afterwards through CR’s website.

The themes of this project are especially relevant in the context of Durham University’s issues with sexual misconduct. Following the shocking leaked Facebook messenger chat in 2020, in which ‘posh lads’ competed to ‘sleep with poorest girl on campus’, and the rise of spiking incidences in Autumn 2021, it is evident that the university needs to rethink attitudes towards sex and how these inform behaviours. All are welcome to come along to the ‘Let’s Talk’ exhibition and live performance on June 18^th, any time between 12-4pm. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to see some great artwork and challenge your mindset.