Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
only love can do that.
- Dr Martin Luther King Jnr
About
Weave a star.
Start a conversation.
The One Million Stars to End Violence project was created in 2012 by weaving artist, Maryann Talia Pau. The project began as her personal response to the rape and murder of a young local woman and grew into a powerful global movement of solidarity to end all forms of violence.
Inspired by her church community at Brunswick Baptist and Dr Martin Luther King Jnr's words, Maryann invited people around the world to join in weaving one million stars as a symbol of commitment to end ALL forms of violence, TOGETHER.
In 2018, that INCREDIBLE goal was achieved and one million woven stars were displayed in King George Square, Brisbane Queensland Australia as part of the Commonwealth Games Arts and Cultural Program. In fact, over 2.4 million woven stars were received from over 15 countries, including Samoa, Cook Islands, Ireland, Canada, England, Kenya, Barbados, Fiji, New Zealand, Japan, USA, Malaysia, Scotland, Tonga, Nigeria and Australia.
Our star weavers include schools, workplaces, faith communities, athletes, libraries, refugees and asylum seekers, LGBTQI plus Pasifika and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.
In partnership with the Queensland government, Museum of Brisbane, Lumen Cloud and Human Ventures, one million of these woven stars were displayed in King George Square as part of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.
Maryann continues to grow the project in 2020 and invites people to learn more and get involved.
Photo credit: Nik Harrison 2012. Royal Exhibition Building. Big Design Market.
Ending violence is everyone's business.
The One Million Stars project has created meaningful and enduring community connections over the years through the healing and calming act of weaving. To this day, the project remains a creative platform for diverse communities to stay engaged and hopeful in the difficult and complex work of ending violence and creating safety for everyone.
Despite the challenges and restrictions of COVID19, star weaving for the One Million Stars project continues to be a positive and meditative process that helps communities to stay connected around the world. Not only does star weaving support safe and inclusive conversation, it is also a traditional Pasifika craft that encourages belonging, identity and pride.
Join our global star weaving community and weave a star today!
My hope is to see the
8 pointed star known as the international symbol to end ALL forms of violence.
Maryann Talia Pau.
Founder, One Million Stars to End Violence project.
MY STORY
I'm a Samoan-Australian weaving artist based in the Redlands, Quandamooka Country, Queensland. My practice is based on exchange and collaboration. Born in Samoa and raised in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand & Australia, I am a co-founder of the Pacific Women's Weaving Circle and Super Native Unlimited.
I have been weaving and exhibiting my work for over 10 years in major galleries, including the National Gallery of Victoria, Gallery of Modern Art, Artisan and the Institute of Modern Art.
I am passionate about mental health, business, the environment and helping others to live their joy. Proud to be a star weaver for life!
"WE MUST CREATE SAFETY AND DIGNITY
FOR EVERYONE. EVERYDAY."
Profile photo by Alexia Rae Costello.
Breastplate. Mo lo'u Tamā by Maryann Talia Pau. Acquired by the National Gallery of Victoria.
Photo: Steven Rhall 2010
Announcement. Queensland Parliament with QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Minister Shannon Fentiman and Minister Kate Jones.
