Benches of Hope
City of Adelaide is proud to promote respect, equality, and improve the safety of all women in our community.
The City of Adelaide acknowledges the International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November 2022, and the 16 days of activism that follows, culminating on Human Rights Day.
Public Art has the power to connect people, to share messages and to encourage conversation and action. Benches of Hope raises awareness about gender-based violence and creates spaces of public safety through art.
Adelaide street artist Leah Grant led and mentored members of the community, including women impacted by this issue, students and supporters to paint 5 street-side benches across the city as a message of hope, resilience and healing.
Each bench features butterflies, as the foundational symbol of the campaign.
"Painting the bench to bring awareness to International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women brought so much fun, joy and happiness whist painting these Benches of Hope that I almost forgot the reason we were painting them."
– Bronwyn, North Adelaide resident
“The graduating students at Sturt Street Community School were very excited to have the opportunity to work with Leah and learn new skills. They were very sensitive to the reasons for painting the bench and will cherish the memory of doing this permanent artwork in their final weeks of their primary school lives. I also enjoyed having an opportunity to paint the bus seat on the corner of Halifax and Hutt Street. It was especially rewarding having people pass by and comment on how colourful it was and ask questions about the reason for painting it. It was a fun experience to be involved in and work along the City of Adelaide council to raise awareness of violence against women.”
– Lyn, Sturt Street Community School
The benches
Benches across the north, southeast and southwest of the city were painted during workshops as part of Benches of Hope.
The 5 benches are located at:
- 86 Sturt Street, Adelaide (near Russell Street intersection)
- 160 Sturt Street, Adelaide (next to Erb & Flo cafe)
- 221 Sturt Street, Adelaide (in front of Sturt Street Primary School)
- 178 Tynte Street, North Adelaide (in front of North Adelaide Community Centre)
- 269 Halifax Street, Adelaide (opposite Cibo Café, Hutt St intersection)
What is 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence?
The campaign runs globally every year and calls for an end to violence against women and girls.
It launches on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and runs through to Human Rights Day on 10 December 2022.
The campaign started in 1991.
It was started by activists and is used around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.
To find out more about the campaign visit 16 Days Campaign.
How can you get involved?
You can make a difference.
Start your own conversation about gender-based violence using the hashtags #GenerationEquality, #16days and #spreadtheword.
Why not post a picture of one of the benches in Adelaide with the hashtags to help spread the word?
A free bystander awareness workshop was held on Friday 25 November at Minor Works Building Community Centre.
The workshop provided the chance for the public to learn how to step up for gender equality and prevent violence against women.
Support services
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website.
Need more information?
For more information please contact: