Toys for Survival

Mobilising playfulness and pleasure as a radical act within a history of women’s resistance, healing and growth, Toys for Survival started life as a series of workshops for survivors of gender-based violence. The exhibition explores sensuality and sensory pleasure through sculpture, placing the survivors’ work alongside work by Leah Miller-Biot, Maria de Lima and Joanna Peace.

Join us for a tour of the exhibition on Saturday 29th February from 1pm to 2pm, and Thursday 5th March from 6pm to 7pm.

Toys for Survival, Friday 14th February to Saturday 28th March, visit during GWL opening hours

Inspired in equal measure by Bessel Van der Kolk’s research into trauma recovery and Adrienne Maree Brown’s ‘Pleasure Activism’, the project considers art through the lens of toy making, proposing joy and play as radical forces of creative and energetic curiosity.

Come along to the exhibition launch on Thursday 13th February and have a guided tour around the show with women involved in the project. Find out more here.

Join us at the launch of the Toys for Survival publication, a short guide that documents the project and outlines its methods, on Thursday 20th February.

Toys for Survival was devised by artist Leah Miller-Biot in partnership with Uncovered Artistry CIC and Glasgow East Women’s Aid.

The Seeing Things group will be visiting this exhibition. To find out more about this group and join our Seeing Things mailing list, email emily.ilett@womenslibrary.org.uk

Booking

This exhibition is free to attend and there is no need to book. For opening times see the ‘Where to Find Us’ section of the website. Our gallery spaces are located across multiple parts of the building. Please ask at Front of House for more information or directions when you are here. Sometimes our programme of events, or venue hires, may limit access to particular parts of the building. Although we always do our best to ensure you can visit the full exhibition when you are here, if you are making a special trip out and want to check which areas are open, please call us in advance on 0141 550 2267. We always ensure there is full access to exhibitions on our Warm Welcome Saturdays, and Mondays are also usually quieter with fewer events taking place.

Accessibility

Glasgow Women’s Library is wheelchair accessible, with lifts to the first floor and the Mezzanine Floor. We have accessible toilets and all the bathrooms are individual closed stalls and are gender neutral. Our larger Events Space is fitted with an induction loop. A portable induction loop is also available. For paid events free companion tickets are available.

Find more information on Accessibility at GWL or contact us and we will be very happy to offer assistance.