Survivors Celebrate Resilience at Unbroken 2025 Event

The NWA Center for Sexual Assault will honor the stories of survivors during the Unbroken 2025 event on October 9, 2025. The gathering will take place in the Great Hall at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, showcasing the artistic expressions of local survivors through a variety of original works.

This free public event, running from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m., promises an evening filled with creativity and community. Attendees can expect live performances, including spoken word poetry and choreographed dance, alongside an award ceremony recognizing local advocates for survivors.

Art as a Path to Healing

The centerpiece of the event is the artwork created by survivors, which includes pieces in pottery, mixed media, and guided art therapy. Taylor McKinney, development director for the NWA Center for Sexual Assault, highlighted the importance of artistic expression in the healing process. “She’s an official art therapist, so she’s not only walking survivors through the art-making process, but she’s actually providing a healing experience at the same time,” McKinney explained.

As a survivor herself, McKinney shares a deep connection to the artwork. “I can see how a survivor’s healing journey is getting off the ground based on the way they’ve composed their art,” she noted. McKinney recounted how creating art alongside others enhances the healing experience, fostering a sense of community and connection. “If giving connection is an emotion, that’s the emotion I’m feeling,” she added.

The evening’s program will also feature a spoken word performance by a survivor and a dance led by Cece Marie, who has spent the past ten weeks helping survivors reconnect with their bodies through movement. “We’re going to see what has been months in the making,” McKinney stated. “It is incredibly empowering to reclaim that sense of safety in your body through the dance workshop and through the other workshops, too.”

Awards Celebrating Advocacy and Support

During Unbroken 2025, several awards will be presented to individuals who have significantly impacted the community. Judge Matt Durrett will receive the Roger Collins Beacon of Hope Award for his “meaningful impact to survivor safety and pursuit of justice in Northwest Arkansas.” Dr. Danna Grear will be honored with the Beacon of Light Award, recognized as someone who embodies compassion, advocacy, and healing.

The Silence Breaker Award will go to Tenisha Gist and Carl Dunn, both longtime members of the Let’s Talk NWA steering committee. Since its inception in 2014, they have contributed to the committee’s vision and outreach efforts for survivors.

McKinney reflected on the significance of the word “Unbroken.” She described it as a means for survivors to reclaim their narratives. “You might say, ‘I’m a victim.’ Well, in fact, you are a survivor. And I think that language really matters.” The concept emphasizes that experiencing trauma does not confine survivors to a singular identity. “Unbroken allows everyone who attends—survivors and guests alike—to experience that one foot in each door of pain and healing and hope,” she said.

McKinney stressed the center’s commitment to serving as a safe haven for survivors. “We will believe survivors when they come in and tell us their story,” she affirmed. “You will never be questioned. You will be affirmed and heard and seen. You deserve healing. And whenever you’re ready to take that step, our doors are always open. Our hotline is always on.”

Unbroken 2025 seeks not only to honor the survivors but also to foster a sense of community, connection, and hope for all who attend.