A programme of workshops that celebrated and supported diversity and inclusivity in textile practices
Inspired by a successful exhibition and programme of activities organised by Dr Kerri Akiwowo and Chetna Prajapati that brought together a diverse range of textile practices, and highlighted the under representation within the industry, we further developed this interest by inviting a cross section of practitioners, working with different textile practices, to develop projects in collaboration with staff and students.
The selected practitioners all utilised the medium to raise awareness of identity or sexuality or as a tool to campaign around certain issues, something for which textiles has long been known for. The programme ran across the 22/23 academic year and this feature brings together the different projects and celebrates the range of outputs that were delivered.
Diverse Voices In Textiles Exhibition
June 2022
The Diverse Voices In Textiles exhibition ran from June to July 2022 at Martin Hall on Loughborough University campus.
The exhibition set out to celebrate distinguished textile designers, artists and practitioners who had otherwise been under-represented within curriculums and the history of textiles by bringing critical stories to the forefront, to enrich and enhance our students' knowledge and understanding of the discipline. Exhibitors included, current students and staff, doctoral researchers, alumni and professional practitioners.
Events and workshops
Coding Narratives
October 2022
Designer and stylist Titilayo Abiola held a short course in October exploring textile and craft techniques.
Participants used a variety of textile and craft-based techniques to communicate their lived experience, be it generational or something poignant to their personal history.
Over the course of four sessions, they explored a variety of textile and craft techniques, including knitting, embroidery, screen printing and multimedia methods.
Seen is the result of one participant, Amina Pagliari. Her work is titled 'To pull a thread'. It features a box with two wooden 3D paisley shapes parallel to each other with elastic thread attached. One piece can be turned, creating tension, with the paisley turned representing the forgotten history of Britain's imperial legacy in India. The continual motion will represent the effects of colonialism present today.
Random Kindness, Radical Stitch (workshop)
November 2022
During this workshop led by Sarah Green participants had the opportunity to explore and document narratives through stitching a random kindness, created through traditions of quilting from around the world. Using old worn-out cloth and rags to create quilts that are used for bedding, floor coverings, and wrappings for all manner of precious things, participants helped breathe new life and purpose into the cloth.
Individual stitched and quilted ‘panels’ were made using 'kantha', both a quilt and a simple running stitch used in the creation of the quilt. The running stitch is both decorative and practical – anchoring the layered fabrics together. Below are some examples made during the workshop.
Repair & Care
February 2023
Participants were invited to bring an item of clothing or material with them to a workshop that was in need of care and attention.
The selected pieces all had significance to the participant and their LGBTQIA+ life. Under workshop leaders Ricardo O’Nascimento and Lucie Hernandez' guidance, they mended or upcycled their item. Whilst sharing and discussing each other’s stories in a safe space, participants learnt and practiced hand stitch repair techniques suitable for their items.
Protest Printing & Reclaiming Body Autonomy
April 2023
The LSU Women’s Network invited textile artist Charlotte Tupper to deliver a series of workshops that created a text-based artwork that raised important issues as part of Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
The artwork formed a legacy of the project, with its visibility and installation in the Students’ Union underlining the project and asserting students' rights around sexual harassment.
The artwork aims to be interactive, provocative and reflective in their approach, inviting the viewer to pause and evaluate and question their own knowledge and understanding.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Banners
November 2023
As further collaboration with Loughborough Women's Network, and artist Charlotte Tupper, LU Arts created text-based artworks raising awareness of important issues around students' rights and sexual harassment. These banners, "Are You Being The Best Version Of Yourself Tonight?" and "Who's Looking Out For Who Tonight?", were displayed at Loughborough Students' Union FND club night, asserting students' rights and promoting a safer environment for all.
Awards
Diverse Voices in Textiles Award 2023
In partnership with The Clothworkers' Foundation, the Diverse Voices in Textiles Award pays tribute to distinguished textile practitioners who have otherwise been under-represented within curriculums and the history of textiles.
This award serves to recognise textiles finalists who are Black, Asian or from another Ethnic Minority; someone who identifies with the LGBTQI+ community; a person living with a disability, or textiles finalists who are tackling broader social and cultural contexts of the discipline through a critical approach to textiles practice.
Winners
- Worthy Clever-Egbedi – BA Textiles: Design and Innovation
- Sarika Dhorajiwala – BA Textiles: Design and Innovation
