The Clothesline Project Chicagoland & Suburbs™
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The Clothesline Project Chicagoland & Suburbs™
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We have tried to put here a list of the most frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.). If the answer to your question is not here, send an e-mail to info@clothesline.org to submit to us your question. We will respond as quickly as possible. Remember that the only bad question is the one not asked! Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Clothesline Project begin?The Clothesline Project was created by The Cape Cod Woman's Agenda in Massachusetts in 1990. The group decided to establish its' own tribute for women after one of the members viewed a traveling exhibit about the Vietnam War Memorial. These women were convinced that the public needed to know that during the same time that 58,000 men were killed in the Vietnam War, 51000 women were killed in America by the men who supposedly loved them. The question was 'Where is the memorial for these women?' The Clothesline Project is that memorial for women survivors and for women victims of violence. How do I start a clothesline project ?Many have asked how they can start a Clothesline Project. Click the button on the left to link to a special page that we prepared to get you started. How can I help financially?You financial help is definitely needed. Tax deductible donations, small or large, are needed to continue this work. In appreciation for your contribution to The Clothesline Project Chicagoland & Suburbs™, we will send a special Certificates of Recognition in your name to you or to whom you chose. Click the button on the left to link to a special page that explains the program. Who can make a shirt?By Women Survivors: Shirts can be designed by any woman survivor of violence. While men are encouraged to take a supportive role, shirts are to be designed by women survivors. By Friends: Friends may design a shirt in support of a survivor, but only with permission of the survivor. These shirts will be hung with the woman's shirt. However, we encourage only the survivor to design a shirt, keeping the focus on her healing and words. For Women Victims: Shirts may be designed by all family members or friends. We suggest family members write messages or thoughts about the woman they lost to violence. These words will be displayed with her shirt. What about male survivors of violence?While The Clothesline Project is concerned for all survivors of violence, the purpose of The Clothesline Project is to 'Break the Silence' and to bear witness to violence against women. While The Clothesline Project supports an end to violence against all people, the focus of the project is violence against women. We seek to educate, to document, and to raise society's awareness of the war against women. Given the paucity of attention to violence against women, we must keep our focus on women to promote change. The Clothesline Project knows that change lies in focusing attention on the issues and working for political change. We work for recognition of violence against women and restitution (laws and policies) to stop violence against women. Can men make shirts?We accept shirts made only by women. We feel keeping the focus on women's stories strengthens the message of violence against women. We live in a society that has a history of ignoring and minimizing the needs of women. The women's stories highlight our need for societal recognition and restitution from the institutions that effect women's lives. Only through this recognition and true justice will violence against women end. The Clothesline Project is dedicated to keeping pressure on the pulse of our society, calling attention to violence against women, and demanding justice through recognition and restitution. Can children make shirts?Shirts are designed only by women survivors of violence. If a woman survivor feels strongly that she wants her child or children to design a shirt, that shirt will be attached to their mother's shirt and displayed together. Should this option be exercised, we strongly suggest that the child design a shirt with adult support and guidance (e.g., parent, therapist, staff member). Some display sponsors (e.g., shelters) plan art work for the children related to their healing and display these pieces separately from the shirts. Although, The Clothesline Project strongly supports any action to prevent violence against children, we want violence against women to be the focus of the project. Not to cluster women with children, perpetuating the infantilization of women and minimizing the seriousness of violence against women. Are there design considerations for making a shirt?Choose any blouse or shirt that is made of durable material. You may paint, embroider, sew, glue, draw or write your thoughts, messages and feelings. Poems or any items that help tell your story can be written or attached to your shirt. To ensure durability use natural fabrics, sew rather than glue, use fabric glue when gluing , use acrylic or textile paint, use color‑fast dye or indelible ink. Let the shirt
reflect your story. You need not be an
artist to create a moving, personal tribute. Any design or remembrance is
appropriate. Does the color of the shirt have significance?The significance of the color of the shirts are as follows:
While the color code is not rigid, it does provide visual clarity of the extent and types of crimes committed against women. How do I display a finished shirt?Click the button to the left, print out the Shirt Submission Form and send the shirt to us. How do I book a display?To book a display for your hospital, company, university, school or organization or for more information about The Clothesline Project of Chicagoland and Suburbs™, send an e-mail to info@clothesline.org with your request or send us a note with your request to the address listed below. Please include dates that you would like to have the project displayed along with any other information that you feel would be pertinent. |
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Please use the following address to send
shirts, donations or to request more information:
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