The One Million Stars to End Violence Project, created by weaving artist Maryann Talia Pau, grew out of a personal response to a local tragedy. A young woman named Jill Meagher was raped and murdered in Maryann’s community in Brunswick, Victoria.

These powerful words by Dr. Martin Luther King inspired the creation of The One Million Stars to End Violence Project. Maryann invited the community to come together to weave stars for violence free communities, to end all forms of violence. “I chose the goal of one million stars because it demonstrates how big and complex the work of creating peace and ending violence is. It reminds us that each of us can make a small but positive impact to ensure that others feel safe and empowered.” Maryann Talia Pau.

In 2018 one million woven stars were displayed in King George Square in Brisbane, Australia. More than 2.4 million stars were woven from over 15 countries and 236 communities.