Earlier this year at my former place of employment, a male patron (who’d already called me “darlin’”) yelled angrily into my face: “Thanks a lot, Toots!” My manager demanded I simply, “smile and nod”…. So I quit and launched the Little Bird project. Through the arts, we raise awareness about street harassment as a human rights issue for women and LGBT community members in San Francisco, California.
It turns out I’m not alone in wanting to stop street harassment. Artists, business owners, and other amazing folks have jumped on-board with the Little Bird’s mission. Our art-based impact strategy ensures inclusiveness: we offer the Little Bird symbol and message for artists to create art around, and the artist does the rest! Through our project activities – including art events, merchandise sales (coming soon!), and online community, as well as opportunities for artists and businesses – we aim to create a space where anyone who wants to can get involved.
The Little Bird kickoff event is set for Oct. 13, 2012 at Mama Art Café in San Francisco. The event will be a unique time of celebrating art, artists, and the community that is forming around the Little Bird, while promoting participants’ work as individuals. Featured artists include Amelia Lewis, Eugene Rodriguez, Beatrice Thomas, and Mission Mini Comix, with spoken word by Trina Robbins. The art (and its beautiful custom framing) will be sold via Silent Auction at the event, as will art supply gift certificates, frame shop gift certificates, salon styling services, and even pinup-inspired lingerie, all courtesy of our amazing contributing businesses! Check out our gallery for a sneak preview of the art, and RSVP to secure your spot in the bidding!
Other things the Little Bird is thrilled about:
* The Little Bird is pleased to be working with Stop Street Harassment’s Holly Kearl, who is on our Advisory Board. Holly’s breadth of knowledge and professionalism in confronting street harassment makes her such a pleasure to work with (thank you Holly!).
* The Little Bird project is now Fiscally Sponsored (by Fractured Atlas) and can accept donations online. Donations help fund our events, artist commissions, merchandise production, and administrative costs. Donate now!
* Our online tools: like us on FaceBook, follow us on Twitter (@LittleBirdSF), and bookmark the Little Bird’s blog!
Contact us for more information! www.thelittlebirdprojectsf.org
This guest blog post was written by Sarah Harper, the Little Bird project Director. Her work is fueled by her passion for the issue, attraction to the arts, and background in professional writing, marketing, project management, Search Engine Optimization, and education. Sarah was also the Meet Us on the Streets San Francisco coordinator in 2012.
