The Vagina Museumlocated a Bethnal GreenLondon, is in a critical situation and could permanently Within a month if he cannot raise the necessary funds to cover the rental costs. To deal with this emergency, one was launched campaign crowdfundingconceived by the British advertising agency Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) which has already collected over 70,000 pounds (83,600 euros) in a few days.
The institution, born with the aim of Educating and fighting disinformation on gynecological healthhas always distinguished itself for its commitment to promoting open conversations on topics often considered taboo. However, despite the positive impact of its activity, the museum is now facing serious economic difficulties due to a unsustainable rental and of theabsence of public funding.
According to the director Zoe Williams, the main problem lies in the rental contract imposed by the owner of the building, The Arch Company, which he has rejected any possibility of negotiation on payment conditionsforcing the museum to pay quarterly instead of monthly. This led the institution to a precarious financial condition, making it necessary to activate fundraising to avoid closure.
A cultural and social mission
Founded in 2017 by Florence Schechter, the Museum vagina took inspiration from Penis museum in Icelandwith the aim of offering a space dedicated to knowledge of gynecological anatomy and awareness of rights of women and the LGBTQ+community. After a series of temporary exhibitions and participations in cultural events, in 2019 he opened a fixed location in Camden Town, but he had to close in 2021 and then reopen to Bethnal Green in 2022.
Among the most significant exhibitions, the museum hosted “BUSTERS MUFF: Myths and How to Fight Them Vagina, a educational path aimed at dispeling false myths related to female anatomy. Other initiatives have included art exhibitions and provocative installations, such as glittered absorbent, discolored briefs and the reproduction of a Sheela Na Gigan ancient medieval sculpture depicting a woman showing her vagina.
An uncertain future, but a concrete hope
Thanks to the huge support received in a few days, the museum managed to raise enough funds to guarantee its own survival in the short term. However, the goal of the campaign has now been extended to 100,000 poundsto allow the structure not only to survive, but also to grow and consolidate one’s mission.
In the message released on the page of Gofundmethe staff said: “It is no longer just about resisting, but of thriving in a world that often hinders us”. If the campaign is successful, the Museum vagina can continue to offer a cultural and scientific point of reference essential for the public, keeping its fight against disinformation and gender stereotypes alive.
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