Wade is seeking partners who are willing to display a red bench in their public space throughout the month of October. The red bench serves as a powerful symbol of solidarity with victims and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Originally created in Italy in 2016, the red bench campaign has since spread to many countries. It stands as a symbol of resistance and sisterhood, offering a visible commitment to fighting against violence. By sitting on the red bench, we express our solidarity with those who have experienced violence, showing that we stand together in support and recognition of their strength and resilience.

Before you leave the space, you are welcome to write a note in honor or memory of a domestic violence survivor or victim. We are collecting these notes as a way to build a community of support for those who may feel voiceless. Each name and message contributes to creating a space where survivors and victims are acknowledged, remembered, and empowered, reinforcing that they are not alone in their journey.

Please email Giada Matteini at info@wadedance.org for more details.

WADE serves as the container for the multi-pronged research practice that stands at its very foundation. Giada Matteini is a domestic violence survivor, who uses the privilege of that survival to affect change in a landscape of global normalization of violence against women, children and non-binary folx.

At the core of their research is the notion that movement is a strong tool for healing that allows us to reclaim our dignity and agency in our lives. The research breaks limited prescriptions by intersecting clinical studies, sociology, anthropology, forensic psychology, and social policy with the creative arts.

www.wadedance.org