Did you make masks, PPE or use embroidery and textiles to make things throughout the Pandemic? WOVEN in Kirklees want to hear from you!
The WOVEN Festival
WOVEN in Kirklees is planning a new exhibition to explore the creativity of our local Kirklees community. Specifically, they’re looking for times where people made masks and PPE or used creativity through embroidery and textiles throughout 2020. The team at WOVEN are now looking for those people from the local community to contribute their considerable talents.
The WOVEN festival has been funded by Kirklees Council and will take place from 5 – 27 June. Furthermore, the special exhibition reflecting on the communities experiences of the pandemics is one of many community projects that will feature through the event.
‘Fantastic Opportunity’
Cllr Paul Davies, Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Culture said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get involved with the festival whilst also demonstrating the ways that our creativity and community spirit has helped individuals during this pandemic.
“The people of Kirklees have made a fantastic contribution during the pandemic, from making PPE to creating rainbows for our carers. Even keeping busy crafting whilst staying at home has been a great way for us all to play our part.”
‘Hear Your Stories’
Nat Walton, Curator for the WOVEN Festival, said: “You may have helped to make much-needed supplies, masks and PPE or you may have used the time to get creative through embroidery and textile processes.
“You might have taken up sewing for the first time, be a practised hand or be a business that has had to refocus. Perhaps you used textiles to help you feel connected to others.
“We want to hear your stories and share images, films and demonstrations of what you created!”
How Do I Contribute?
WOVEN in Kirklees are encouraging the community to contribute directly. WOVEN are accepting a wide range of submissions, including stories about your textile journey, images of how your creations have helped your local community or even video demonstrations of how you made your creations.
Your contributions will be developed into an online resource by local artist, Nicola Twynham. The festival will provide a place to showcase the final result.
‘Inspired’
Speaking on the exhibitions, Nicola Twynham said: “I have been so inspired and moved by the amazing ways we have supported ourselves and our communities throughout the Pandemic and I know we have a powerful story to share through the use of textiles and I can’t wait to learn more about how people have used fabric, sewing and embroidery as part of their lives.”
If you wish to get involved, you can visit the WOVEN website and complete the application form here.