WHEN PLACES SPEAK is PART OF a global photography exhibit that provides a voice to physical places associated with sex trafficking.

The exhibit's New York City edition, [Opening May 20, NYCxDesign, May 2024] will unveil the hidden yet visible facets of sex trafficking across all boroughs. By exposing a range of sites—from recruitment hotspots, transit routes used for moving victims, to locales of illicit activities and recovery spaces for survivors—we aim to reveal the extent of trafficking within familiar settings. The exhibition employs a rich, multi-sensory experience through soundscapes, videos, and photographs, inviting visitors into the reality of these spaces to foster empathy, awareness, and action.

EXHIBITING may 20-22, DURING NYCXDESIGN - HOW DO YOU FEEL NEW YORK?

REGISTER HERE FOR THE OPENING NIGHT PARTY [MAY 20, 7–10PM]

OPEN MAY 21-22 HOURS: 12PM – 7PM
99 SCOTT AVENUE, BROOKLYN

PAST: WHEN PLACES SPEAK, UNVEILED [MARCH 4–15TH,2024]

Visit Parsons School of Design, 2 W 13th Street Window Gallery, as we unveil a glimpse into the worlds beyond the visible.

A GLIMPSE INTO THE EXHIBIT: PARSONS, 2 W 13TH STREET

This exhibition will make visible the spectrum of places involved in sex trafficking. Narratives emerge from places where traffickers recruit victims, places used by purchasers, places used by law enforcement to stop trafficking, and places where survivors can receive justice and healing. By illuminating the physical places where sex trafficking occurs, we hope to reveal that this issue is not distant or abstract but that it is happening here, in our neighborhoods and communities.

This first exhibit aligns with the Interior Design Educators Council [IDEC] Annual Conference, taking place in New York City, March 6-9th. Carly Cannell, Cotter Christian will be participating on a panel discussion “Spearheading Faculty Collaborations – Interior design and the fight against sexual exploitation” hosted by WHEN PLACES SPEAK’s founder, Tasoulla Hadjiyanni, Ph.D., Northrop Professor of Interior Design at the University of Minnesota, and founder of designagainsttrafficking.org.

Click the images below to unveil the stories behind each place!

exhibitions coming soon:

HOW DO YOU FEEL NEW YORK? – NYCxDesign Week
[May 20-22, 2024] 99 Scott Avenue, Bushwick, NY

Kellen Gallery: Parsons School of Design
June 19th – August 5th, 2024

ABOUT:
Sex Trafficking is happening across all 5 boroughs and around the state. These exhibitions will unveil the stages of trafficking through 4 atmospheric environments: Disorientation [the recruitment process], Movement [the transportation of victims], Exploitation [forced sexual acts, work], and Healing [the aftermath of sex trafficking and long term effects].

why this matters

Statistics reveal that an estimated 28 million people, predominantly girls and young women, are trafficked globally each year. New York state, where the project is based, ranks 4th in Human Trafficking Cases in the US. Additionally, it is estimated that $99 billion is generated annually through sex trafficking, with 20% of victims being children. Moreover, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected by trafficking compared to other demographic groups.

By shedding light on these sobering statistics and by initiating conversations around the places and populations affected by sex trafficking, this project aims to challenge and ultimately dismantle the historic and institutional systems of domination that perpetuate such injustices. Through increased awareness and dialogue, we strive to contribute to a more equitable and just society where all individuals are afforded dignity, safety, and freedom from exploitation.

The community

CONTRIBUTORS: This project is a collaborative endeavor, drawing on the talents of students and faculty at Parsons and The New School through research, site visits, and creative expression. This research project and exhibition, while unique in its focus and execution, builds upon a legacy of similar exhibitions around the world, leveraging an existing infrastructure for dissemination. This project is in collaboration with "When Places Speak" founder, Tasoulla Hadjiyanni, Ph.D., Northrop Professor of Interior Design at the University of Minnesota, and founder of designagainsttrafficking.org.

Primary Researcher and Creative Director: Carly Cannell
Research Assistants [Parsons MFA Photography]: Alejandro Aguirre, Mercedes Fernandez, Emma Sobel

Photography: Alejandro Aguirre [primary], Carly Cannell, Cotter Christian
Irakli Kiziria [weetu]: Design, Sound
Annabelle Schneider [Parsons School of Design]: Design, Strategy
Luc Oggier: Sound

Marc Willhelm [futureerror] Motion Design, Video

Student Projects: Hannah Cannizzo, Conor O’driscoll, Jenny Han, Parvathy Ramesh, Simin Liu, Sofia Vieira
Special thanks to Cotter Christian, Alfred Zollinger and Alejandro Aguirre for the 2 W 13th Street Exhibition Installation.

CURATORS:
Carly Cannell [Parsons School of Design + weetu]
Cotter Christian [Parsons School of Design]
Founder of WPS, Dr. Tasoulla Hadjiyanni [University of Minnesota]
Annabelle Schneider [Parsons School of Design]

help + resources

To report Sex Trafficking, please contact the human trafficking helpline: 212.335.3400. To learn more, please download additional information here including contact information for anti-trafficking organizations [Kings Resource Guide].