From 24th to 30th October, Casa Punto Croce, Venice.
The red umbrella, global symbol of sex workers’ solidarity, was used for the first time in 2001 in Venice during the 49th Art Biennale. On this occasion, a group of sex workers marched through the streets of Venice with red umbrellas as part of the “prostitute pavilion” and the CODE: RED installation by Slovenian artist Tadej Pogačar.
The march was led by activist Daniela Mannu and organized by the non-profit organization Committee for the Civil Rights of Prostitutes (CDCP) with Carla Corso as chairwoman. It drew attention to the poor working conditions and human rights violations that sex workers often have had to face. Since then, the red umbrella has become an icon and international emblem of sex workers’ rights around the world. It symbolises protection from the abuse and intolerance faced by sex workers, and stands forstrength and resistance.
In addition to a series of events, this year’s Umbəlla – Twenty Years of Activism Under Red Umbrellaс will feature an exhibition of photographs by activists, organizations and allies who have embraced the struggle for sex workers’ rights over the past 20 years through art and social works.
STAR – The First Sex Workers Collective in the Balkans, also participates in this ongoing exhibition, with photographs from the Red Umbrella March in the past ten years (2010-2020) which will be displayed as artistic activism within the event. All these years STAR-STAR Skopje and the sex workers are marching with red umbrellas in the center of Skopje, on the occasion of the 17th of December, the International Day to STOP the Violence against Sex Workers.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sunday 24 October: Parade of red umbrellas through the streets of Venice; presentation the body of work CODE: RED Intermezzo and presentation of the book/project United under a red umbrella by Mariska Majoor and Robin Haurissa.
Thursday 28 October: Le Zoccole Dure will host an Aperizoccola which will be honored by the extraordinary participation of Valentine aka Fluida Wolf, Non Una Di Meno (Venice).
Saturday 30 October: Launch of the publication Naked and Organized. Sex Work as Practice and Representation by Agnese Reginaldo, followed by projection of images of global activism.