Exhibition: SIOLENCE

The Austrian Cultural Forum New York presents Siolence, an exhibition that explores the oppressive silence surrounding violence against women.

Art has long depicted violence through screams, scars, and shattered objects. Siolence takes a different approach – it is a deliberate staging of silence. Silence is what victims retreat into, as violence remains a taboo. Silence is what allows violence to persist. Developed by Soroptimist Austria in collaboration with BBDO Vienna, this exhibition captures the unspoken suffering of those who have been beaten, abused, sexually assaulted, controlled, and threatened. Internationally renowned photographer Elfie Semotan translates this vision with striking sensitivity. The exhibition features photographs and interviews conducted by BBDO Vienna in collaboration with Cosmix Media, in which the victims publicly break their silence for the first time. They speak candidly about their experiences, fears, and emotions. Siolence is not silence — it is a call to see and listen. Because violence against women must never be accepted or concealed.

The exhibition will be shown during Women’s History Month from March 12 to March 28, 2025, on the 11th Floor of the ACFNY, open to the public Monday to Friday from 2 PM to 6 PM. Entry is free.

More information here:
Siolence – Austrian Cultural Forum New York
Siolence Official Website (in German only)

The exhibition opening will take place on March 12, on the margins of the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the rights of women. In 2025, the global community will mark the 30th anniversary of the 4th World Conference on Women and adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995). The main focus of CSW69 will be on the review of this milestone document and the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of women and its contribution towards the full realization of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The opening event on March 12 will feature a presentation and panel discussion on the exhibition, the wider Siolence campaign that raises awareness for victims of violence and highlights Austria’s civic and multilateral engagement for the promotion of women’s rights. Panelists are:

• Jana David-Wiedemann: CEO, BBDO Vienna.
• Julia Prummer: Head of Unit for International Women’s Issues, Department for Human Rights, Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.
• Petra Werkovits: Cultural Manager, former President of Soroptimist Austria. Project Developer and Coordinator

The opening event is by invitation only.

Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization, organized in federations and local chapters, that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. Today, the organization has over 80,000 members and supporters, actively campaigning for women’s rights, education and recognition. Soroptimist International received General Consultative Status with the UN in 1984.