Domestic abuse charity invites people to creatively share their own stories at Wolverhampton Literature Festival

ARTiculating HerStory is a survivor-led creative project that forms part of The Haven’s wider commitment to centring lived experience and creating spaces where voices can be shared, heard and witnessed with dignity and care.

The open mic event inspired by the project will take place at Wolverhampton Art Gallery on February 5 and has been intentionally designed to prioritise authenticity over performance.

Rather than focusing on technical ability or artistic credentials, the event creates an opportunity for contributors to share work in a form that feels accessible to them, including poetry, spoken word, song or spoken reflection.

While inspired by a survivor-led project rooted in domestic abuse support, the content shared during the event is not limited to experiences of abuse.

Contributors may explore a wide range of themes, including recovery, resilience, loss, joy, transition and hope, reflecting the breadth and complexity of lived experience.

Alongside community contributions, audiences will encounter an anonymous showcase of poetry written by women supported through The Haven with these pieces shared with consent and sensitivity, safeguarding privacy while allowing creative expression to be presented publicly with dignity and respect.

ARTiculating HerStory originated from The Haven’s belief that creative expression can offer a meaningful language when conventional forms of communication feel insufficient.

Reflections from the original project highlighted how poetry and art supported participants to reconnect with their voices, articulate complex emotions and re-establish a sense of authorship over their own narratives.

Pamilerin Beckley, lived experience lead at The Haven Wolverhampton, said: “ARTiculating HerStory was created to honour lived experience and give people permission to speak in their own words, on their own terms. 

“The healing work happens earlier, within closed and supported project spaces where creativity is developed. 

"This event represents what comes after that, the moment of expression, release and empowerment that comes from being seen and heard. 

"Listening is positioned as equally important as speaking, with an emphasis on respect, care and collective presence. 

"The event will prioritise voice over performance, creating space for expression without requiring people to conform or perform.” 

Attendance at the event is open to the public, whether to contribute, observe or engage as part of the wider festival programme.