Pop In Newsletter - International Women’s Day 2024
Let's inspire inclusion!
I'm writing this email to you on March 08th 2024 - International Women's Day. This years' theme is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
With well over a century of history and change, the first International Women's Day (IWD) was held in March 1911. IWD isn't country, group or organisation specific. It's a day of collective global activism and celebration that belongs to all those committed to forging women's equality.
This day not only celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women but also casts a spotlight on areas where urgent action is needed. For us at Pop In that spotlight is firmly focussed on domestic violence.
Addressing domestic violence as a critical component of the fight for women's rights and equality.
The intersection of International Women's Day and domestic violence draws global attention to the barriers that prevent women from living free from violence, advocating for stronger legal frameworks, support systems, and societal changes to protect and empower victims.
It also underscores the need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns. Educating both men and women about the dynamics of domestic violence, its impact on individuals and communities, can play a crucial role in prevention. Awareness campaigns can challenge the societal norms and stereotypes that perpetuate gender-based violence, promoting a culture of equality and respect.
The day also serves as a call to action for everyone to play a part in ending domestic violence. From individuals to communities, businesses to governments, a collective effort is necessary to create an environment where women are safe, valued, and treated with dignity. This includes implementing and enforcing laws that protect women from violence, promoting gender equality at all levels of society, and supporting initiatives that empower women economically and socially.
In commemorating International Women's Day, we must remember that the fight against domestic violence is integral to the broader struggle for women's rights and gender equality. Celebrating the achievements of women must go hand in hand with addressing the challenges they face, including domestic violence. As we honour this day, let us renew our commitment to creating a world where every woman can live freely, safely, and equally—a world where domestic violence is a thing of the past.
Through awareness, support, and collective action, we can move closer to achieving this vision, ensuring that International Women's Day is not just a celebration but a catalyst for real and lasting change.
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Art created with Pop In community members.
Inspiring Art, Inspiring Lives: An Interview with Louisa de Haas on leading Pop In’s community art program at Ngununggula Gallery
Interviewer: Welcome, Louisa. Your journey from classroom teacher to art studio owner at Art Club Studios in Bowral is quite inspiring. Could you share a bit about this transition and your connection with Ngununggula?
Artist - Louisa de Haas of Art Club Studios Bowral
Louisa: Thanks Jonathon. I’ve learnt so much and have enjoyed so much of being the classroom, but I needed more flexibility in my own world. Having Art Club Studios allows me to merge my passion for teaching with my personal art practice. It’s been wonderful to finally connect in an official capacity with Ngununggula. In the very early days I spent some time giving feedback on their student materials, and it’s been amazing to see how vibrant and strong the gallery has become so quickly. It really is a beautiful synergy of art, education, and community.
Interviewer: Your art seems to embody a fascinating spectrum of colour. How would you describe it?
Louisa: It's a reflection of my inner world, really. My work flips between intense, neon expressions of
colour and energy and darker, moody undertones of reflection and contemplation—much like my own experiences of being an introvert and an extrovert. I aim to infuse my work with a sense of joy or sense of ‘other’ or the unknown, intuitively steering clear of anything too oppressive for me. It's an intuitive process for me, capturing the light in the world through the energy of colour, which for me, translates into tangible joy.
Interviewer: This is the first time that you have worked with members of the Pop In community in this way. How did this occur?
Louisa: It was one of those perfect moments of worlds aligning. I’m so thrilled Amelia Jones from the gallery approached me to lead the project. She has a wonderful way of making the right things happen! Michele from Pop In was wonderful in talking with me about the community participants for the programme and supporting the notion that for me this wasn't about being an art therapist but rather providing a nurturing and creative space.
From the outset, my goal was to create an environment where the participants could experience joy, connection, and a sense of accomplishment through their artmaking. And as we’d hoped, the real beauty of this experience wasn't just in the remarkable artwork produced by the group, but in the journey of laughter, discovery, and mutual support that unfolded over the four weeks of the program.
The exhibition, which opens on International Women’s Day (March 08th) is a celebration of this journey, showcasing the joy, play and newfound confidence of the participants.
Interviewer: How did Pop In support this initiative?
Louisa: The support from Pop In was just right. From giving me freedom and trusting me to do my thing, to post-session debriefs, I felt wholly supported. On the first day I really felt quite nervous- classic imposter syndrome! Of course Michele and Grace’s beautiful reassurance and encouragement set me up for success. It felt like a collaborative journey, not just in terms of the program but on a personal level as well.
Interviewer: Looking back, what moments stand out to you from this experience?
Louisa: I still think about some of the comments and generous sharing of personal milestones and breakthroughs while we worked. Witnessing the participants’ willingness to take risks in their artmaking and play, embracing the supportive environment we cultivated, was humbling. For me it underscores the transformative power of art and community in healing and personal empowerment.
Interviewer: Louisa, it sounds like the program has had a profound impact on you as well. What's next for you and your art?
Louisa: I’m growing Art Club Studios with my afterschool classes, birthday parties and collaborative artwork sessions, have been involved in a couple of school mural projects in the area and really would love to work more with Pop In and Ngunnungula on any future projects. Oh- and get some of my own painting in there too!
Interviewer: Thank you, Louisa, speaking with me today, and thank you for leading the Pop In art program.
Louisa: Thank you for having me. It’s been such a successful project from start to finish, and I can’t thank Michele from Pop In and Amelia Jones and Megan Monte from the gallery enough for having me. But we also must thank the participants- because without their commitment and willingness to allow the experience and the outcomes each week, we would be nowhere. They are to be congratulated!
Spontaneous and vibrant, Southern Highlands based artist Louisa de Haas creates artworks that are full of life. de Haas is a self-taught artist and allows herself to work intuitively. While no part of her work is planned, it is informed by hillsides, the change of seasons and many shapes and colours that catch her eye. de Haas’ paintings and jewellery designs can be found in many local exhibitions and private collections.
Pop In would like to thank Ngununggula Gallery, especially Amelia Jones – Development and Events Manager and Megan Monte – Director for their incredibly generous support in creating this program. The Pop In Art Program exhibition is open from 11am 08th March through to Tuesday 12th March, at Ngununggula Gallery, 1 Art Gallery Lane, Bowral.