The #NoChains Campaign Project
Advocating for better ways of sharing the complex stories of human trafficking survivors within art and media.
The #NoChains Campaign Project generates a call-to-action to stop the over-usage of exploitative imagery in Human Trafficking awareness initiatives. 12 photographers come together with 12 survivors of human trafficking to capture their stories without chains or other sensational displays. The campaign brings awareness to this crime's complex realities and urges advocates to pledge accurate representation of survivors while educating their communities.
- PRODUCTION BEGINS 2022 -
Ending The Exploitation of Survivors in Media & Journalism
The #NoChains Campaign is part of a more significant movement to end survivors’ exploitation in art, media, and journalism.
In the era of information overload and 24-hour news, shock value has become the premier way of garnering attention. As survivors continue to share their stories with journalists, artists, and advocacy groups in hopes of generating awareness and education, a culture of exploitation has developed, and survivors are finding themselves re-exploited. Their reports are being exaggerated, traumatic details are taking center stage, and graphic illustrations of abuse are represented in the artwork and photography.
For years, value has been seen in using more dramatic imagery to bring attention to important issues often overlooked and underrepresented. Still, the reality is that this does more harm than good. Sensational imagery prevents the progress anti-human trafficking organizations are making — human trafficking is an incredibly complex crime, and inaccurate depictions send harmful messages to the public and other victims. Communities may continue to overlook suspected trafficking in their back yards if this imagery has predominately shaped their understanding of the crime. Victims may continue to not self-identify or seek help if those images don’t mirror their experiences — and then the cycle of silence continues.
^Popular images used for human trafficking via stock photos
Project Production
12 Artists
We provide our diverse group of artists with resources and information to educate them on human trafficking and how to work with survivors as not to retraumatize them. They work alongside survivors in developing creative ways to represent their stories while breaking down popular misconceptions. The goal of the project is not to generate the most attention, but to share a survivor’s truth.
Sponsorships
Survivors are central to the continuation of education and knowledge around this issue of human trafficking. Their stories provide insight, empathy, and understanding. As such, we believe they deserve compensation for sharing their experiences and knowledge. Survivors will receive a stipend for their participation. Individuals, organizations, and businesses will sponsor stipends. If you’re interested in sponsoring a survivor and their story, please see our donation page!
12 Survivors
Survivors can participate in the campaign as themselves or anonymously. They set their own boundaries and control their narratives when working with artists and the project producer. The survivor approves all artwork and written illustrations of survivor stories before release.
The Impact.
Supporting Survivors.
Embracing the strength of survivors and allowing them to have more control over how they are depicted for the public.
Empowering Artists.
Working with artists to conceptualize imagery that is both accurate and powerful without the standard shock-value. The project challenges artists in their craft and helps them feel empowered to share survivors' complex stories.
Educating Media.
Providing suggestions and guidelines for artists and media to interview and illustrate survivor stories and reports of human trafficking.
Shaping New Narratives.
Challenging the stereotypes associated with modern-day slavery and shaping the public’s understanding of survivors and this crime. Continuing to shape narratives increases the likelihood that survivors will be identified.
Breakdown of Sponsorship Needs.
The total cost of sponsorship funds needed for the project is $5300. Sponsoring a survivor story is $250 - accounting for the majority of the #NoChains Campaign expenses. The prints from the survivor’s story-portraits will be theirs to keep after the initial benefit gallery premiere. Media guide materials will be produced and designed to give to artists, local media, and other anti-human trafficking nonprofits.
#NoChains Campaign Funding
Want to be involved as an artist?
We have a few more spots available for artists looking to participate in creating a story-portrait for a survivor of human trafficking. You and your work will be highlighted at the premiere event, within project materials, and on our project webpages.