Calico was founded by activists and best friends, Daz Cox and Martha Harrison.
During our final year at the University of Birmingham, Sarah Everard was murdered by a police officer. In response to her murder, some questioned how Sarah could’ve prevented being attacked by ‘flagging down a bus’ or being more ‘streetwise’. This made us, and our community, really angry.
Our first campaign, Curfew, was a short film we made as students. We asked our friends the question ‘What would you do if men had a curfew’, and brought their answers to life in public spaces. We weren’t campaigning for a curfew for men, we were campaigning for a change in perspective.
When gendered violence happens, the focus is often on how women can change their behaviour in order to keep themselves safe, rather than on what we – as a society – can do to prevent this from happening.
Curfew went further than we ever expected. It was referenced in the West Midlands Combined Authority’s strategy to reduce violence against women and girls, demonstrating that creativity can be a catalyst for change. That’s where Calico began.
Since then, we’ve continued to build work that sits between communities and decision-makers, using creativity to open up conversations, challenge assumptions, and push for change in the systems that shape our lives.
ABOUT US
OUR TEAM
OUR YOUTH BOARD
Simren (she/her) is a student, events assistant manager, social media administrator and a passionate advocate for youth voice. She plans to bring a fresh business mindset to help Calico grow with purpose, creativity and impact.
Ser Hwee (she/her) is a liberal arts student with a passion for mindfulness, human connection, and exploring how everyday moments and diverse art forms can spark reflection, empathy and change. With an open mind and an international perspective, Ser Hwee hopes to facilitate space for thoughtful conversations that can drive impactful solutions to address the needs of youths today.
Verity (she/her) is a creative professional with broad experience of the West Midlands arts scene, from public sector arts funding to her practice as a dance artist, training and performing regularly in Birmingham. Driven by a passion for innovation, community engagement, and ethical leadership, she contributes a unique perspective as both an artist and arts advocate.
Deborah (she/her) is a legal practitioner, entrepreneur, and poet who is passionate about advocacy and empowering others through the promotion of rights and justice. She plans to bring her creativity, strong communication skills, and a deep commitment to advocacy and social impact to Calico’s mission and community.
Amirah is a young social scientist who comes from an arts background; when they’re not researching they are immersed in fibre arts. Amirah plans to utilise their lived experience, passion for the arts, and drive for social justice to help Calico amplify the impact they make.