“They Spoke: And We Rose” — Westbury Arts Centre Studio Artist Farina Noorani Unveils Powerful Tribute to Pakistani Women at Milton Keynes Rose Craft Exhibition

A striking new artwork titled They Spoke: And We Rose, created by Westbury Arts Centre studio artist Farina Noorani, will stand as a testament to courage, resilience, and the unstoppable strength of women. Made as part of Milton Keynes Rose Craftivism Project, the piece pays homage to Pakistani women who shattered silence, defied oppression, and transformed their struggles into movements that continue to inspire the world.

Crafted from recycled paper, cardboard, and papier-mâché — materials that become stronger when bonded together — the artwork takes the form of a symbolic pillar. It honours women who broke barriers, championed education and identity, and transformed personal and communal struggles into nationwide inspiration. Many of these trailblazers have faced violence, survived oppression, and risen to earn global recognition, including international awards and prestigious accolades such as the Nobel Prize.

“This pillar is both a tribute and a reminder that lasting change begins when even one voice dares to be heard,” says the artist. “The fragile materials mirror the resilience of these women — individually vulnerable, yet collectively unbreakable.”

The piece has been created for a special community-wide project in which local crafters and artists were invited to design artwork to decorate the pillars of the Milton Keynes Rose. Participants were encouraged to work in craft-based media such as embroidery, papercraft, woodwork, pottery, mixed media, or woolcraft.

The Craftivism Project supports two major global campaigns:

White Ribbon Day 2025 — We Speak Up

A reminder that silence is never harmless. Seemingly “small” injustices—catcalling, sexist jokes, unwanted comments—grow into cultures where abuse thrives. Speaking up is how change begins.

Orange the World — Ending Violence Against Women

Orange, the colour of light, optimism, and safety, becomes a beacon for a future where every woman and girl lives free from violence and fear.

This year’s exhibition aligns with the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, an international movement running from 25 November to 10 December 2025.

This was originally a call for crafters to create a decoration for a pillar at MK Rose, but due to weather and other constraints, this then evolved into a photographic exhibition. All the pillar decorations by the crafters were photographed by students at MK College, which will now be exhibited at Centre MK.

Exhibition Information

Midsummer Arcade (alongside John Lewis)

25 November 2025 – 10 December 2025

Exhibition Launch and Vigil – 25 November 2025

Itinerary:

4.00 PM – Exhibition Preview, Midsummer Arcade, Centre MK.

5:30 PM – Official opening by Mayor Cllr James Lancaster

5:45 PM – Walk to the Milton Keynes Rose

6:00 PM – Annual Vigil commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls

6:45 PM – End