Hestia to Exhibit Art by Modern Slavery Survivors in London Locations

In October 2026, London will host the 'Art is Freedom' exhibition, featuring artwork created by survivors of modern slavery. Organized by Hestia, the free exhibition begins on October 12 at Marble Arch and runs until November 8, with displays planned at landmark locations including Trafalgar Square, London Bridge Station, and St Pancras International.

Significantly, on Anti-Slavery Day, October 18, the artists' work will take over the world-famous Piccadilly Lights for ten minutes. The exhibition aims to raise awareness of the devastating impact of modern slavery and highlight the importance of supporting survivors in reclaiming their identities post-exploitation.

'Art is Freedom' is more than an exhibition; it is the culmination of artist-led workshops providing survivors with the time, materials, and guidance to explore their creativity. The workshops are delivered in collaboration with various organizations and artists. In 2025, 16,362 adults were identified as potential victims of modern slavery by government responders, yet the crime's hidden nature and the barriers survivors face often prevent access to life-changing support.

This year's theme, 'This is me,' chosen by the survivor-artists themselves, allows them to explore and celebrate who they are beyond their experiences of modern slavery. Hestia CEO Patrick Ryan emphasized that while modern slavery is a terrible crime, it should not define an individual. Art provides a space for self-expression and a means to rebuild confidence, hope, and identity after trauma.