Stitch For Change Expression and Togetherness

Join some of the key organisers of DLWP’s current exhibition All in the Same Storm: Pandemic Patchwork Stories for a lively discussion about how quilt-making became a space for expression and togetherness online during the first COVID-19 lockdown, and the project’s inspiration – the tradition of Chilean arpillera-making, brought to life by guest speaker Roberta Bacic.

Stitch for Change is the community project underpinning the exhibition. Inspired by the Chilean arpillera movement, Stitch for Change offered up sewing and making as a creative wellbeing opportunity for people to share lockdown survival stories.

The project was put together by Rossana Leal, founder of the Refugee Buddy Project, Hastings Rother & Wealden and facilitated by textile artists Jimena Pardo (Bordando por la Memoria) and Janey Moffatt.

Rossana will discuss the project’s origins and development;  Jimena and Janey will discuss their personal experiences of delivering, facilitating and taking part in the project and co-producing the exhibition and related resources.

Guest speaker Roberta Bacic is a Chilean Human Rights Advocate, researcher and curator of the International Conflict Textiles Collection. Roberta will speak about the transnational impact of the arpillera movement.

This panel discussion forms part of Refugee Week 2021 – We Cannot Walk Alone, a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary.

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