You are warmly invited to the Private View of Birthing a Better Future Art and Science Exhibition hosted by Zero2 Expo.
On: Tuesday 11th June
Time: 6 – 8pm
Venue: Fitzrovia Chapel, 2 Pearson Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 3BF
Open to Public: Wednesday 12th June, 11am – 4pm
The first 1001 days of a child’s life – from conception until the age of two – are critical in terms of laying the foundations for their mental, physical and emotional health and well-being. This exhibition brings together a wide range of positive and diverse opinions to raise awareness on pregnancy, birth and parenting.
Please RSVP so we can put you on the guest list: alex@zero2expo.com
We look forward to seeing you there.
Warm wishes,
Alex
Read on for more information:
The concept of the need to protect and promote healthy young life has been well documented thanks to the cross-party Government manifesto – The 1001 Critical Days from conception to age two – which proposes important ways to improve the lives of babies.
The first 1001 days, from conception to age two, is a period of rapid growth. During this time babies’ growing brains are shaped by their experiences, particularly the interactions they have with their parents and other caregivers. What happens during this time shapes the foundations for future development. This exhibition highlights such issues as perinatal mental health, domestic abuse and nutrition which have a longterm impact on life outcomes of the unborn child but too little is being done to make a significant difference.
The culmination of working with 32 artists and 28 scientists and many hours of research means we have produced a thought-provoking portable exhibition with an empowering message that lends itself equally to senior level policy makers and budget holders; local practitioners; parents and the general public. Consisting of 18 double-sided exhibition banners that cover key topics for contemplation and invite you to consider new ways of thinking about pregnancy, birth and parenting. All text is underpinned by expert opinions and scientific research and is accompanied by inspirational art.
After the positive response to our successful pilot exhibitions at the Houses of Parliament (2016) and the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford (2017/18), we realised that this is a very effective format for explaining to the world the importance of these issues. In fact statistics show ‘perinatal depression, anxiety and psychosis carry a total long-term cost to society of about £8.1 billion for each one-year cohort of births in the UK’ which could be significantly reduced if more support is given during these first 1001 days.
We are very lucky that ‘The Lancet’ has published an official report stating that 80% of people who saw our Oxford exhibition found it had an effect in raising awareness about the 1001 days. Visitors expressed how they found the exhibitions informative, educational, moving and inspiring, even prompting changes in behaviour.
A less than optimal first 1001 days can have lifelong negative effects, particularly on those living in poverty. A World Health Organisation Study found that preventing some of these stressors can more than halve drug use and violence, and reduce teenage pregnancies by a third. A happy and healthy 1001 days are crucial to ensuring a good start, and improving long term outcomes in health, relationships, education, and employment. We believe this is one of the biggest Public Health messages of our time and is crucial that we spread the word.
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Alex Florschutz, the founder of Zero2 Expo, is an artist, art psychotherapist, author and curator of the Birthing a Better Future Art and Science Exhibition and campaign. For the last 3 years, she has been working on this project, with a team of top professionals, to raise awareness about this important time. But more importantly, she is passionately interested in the science and psychology behind pregnancy, childbirth and parenting which is also reflected in her artwork.
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We would also be very happy if you or your organisation were interested in hiring the exhibition at a later date to enable it to tour the UK and beyond. This exhibition is a vital model to demonstrate the power of science and art to communicate a powerful public health message.
Get in touch here:
Alex Florschutz
M: 07787 122157
