‘Strong People, Safe Spaces’
‘Strong People, Safe Spaces’ was commissioned by the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.
STORY:
‘Strong People, Safe Spaces’ tells the story of all Australians, from our children to our Elders, as they journey through two worlds - the physical world and the online world - to find connection, meaning, acceptance and belonging. eSafety, at the core of this story, is a shield of protection against online harms, providing the resources and knowledge that empowers all Australians to be strong in mind - growing in an understanding of, and confidence in navigating the online world. eSafety reaches out across the land, meeting every person where they are to provide the support and advice that empowers all Australians to be strong in spirit - growing in capacity to safeguard their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing, and that of their loved ones. It is through collaboration and cooperation, under the shield of eSafety, that we can grow strong minds and strong spirits to help us have positive experiences in safe spaces in the online world.
Everyone’s story is interconnected. Every story tells of the many universal, negative and positive experiences that we have in the online world.
The online world has opened up our private and personal lives like never before, connecting us with uninvited strangers and anonymous detractors. We are faced with the pressure of others’ opinions and judgements, and false narratives from voices that previously had no platform in our lives. The online world has set a stage of comparison, breeding self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy that leads us to question our own value and identity. It has simultaneously provided us with both connection and disconnection, trapping people in isolation, exclusion, helplessness and fear.
And yet the online world has allowed us all to be connected to friends and family, stories and places like never before. It has provided us with access to tools that change the way we live, and provided gateways to opportunities for leadership, independence, innovation and discovery. It has given us the ability to build new communities with like-minded individuals where we can share opinions and ideas, find understanding and affirmation, and celebrate who we are. We have developed friendships, found love, learned new skills, expanded our knowledge, fought against injustice, discovered new purposes and shared our culture.
This story is a vision for all Australians as we navigate and engage with the online world. It is a vision of strong people who all work together, protected, supported and empowered, to share and grow in safe spaces.
© 2022 Amy Allerton.
Digital work on iPad Pro, Adobe Fresco with Apple Pencil 2
Explore the many stories told within the ‘Strong People, Safe Spaces’ artwork by visiting the eSafety website via the link below.
