In December, Beswick and Dukinfield based craft groups joined up for a Christmas trip to the Whitworth. Where Amy, Senior Curator at the gallery, kindly gave us a tour of Jakkai Siributr’s “There’s no Place”.
“It’s lovely”
“I could spend a day in this room”
After the tour we spent two hours in the gallery sketching responses to the exhibition. Siributr’s textile work really resonated with the groups, who in their own craftivist practice have worked with community artist Sam Edwards to collaboratively create wall hangings.
We talked about how the intimacy of fabric offers ways of learning about Thailand’s history of conflict and, simultaneously, of remembering and honouring family, allowing us to connect and feel in relation to the stories and lives represented.
“It’s like [my friend’s] quilt, it’s incredible, I can understand the story in that”
Inspired by the collaborative elements of Sibutr’s practice the groups suggested making a piece of art across the craft groups, following Sibutr’s method of embroidering one part of the story and then passing it over to a new group to continue. As plans take shape, they hope this will be a chance to connect with new groups and people, weaving together a creative community across Greater Manchester.
***
Running at Beswick Library for two years as part of our Local Exchange Programme, Chatty Craft is a free craft group providing a chance for local people to chat, have a brew and some biscuits, and create together. Funded by OneManchester.
The People’s Community Dukinfield are a Residents Group, providing craft workshops, community meals & events for the people of their estate. The group began life as a Local Exchange craft project before taking charge themselves. We are now working with them to create a show for our community arts festival coming to Stalybridge in May. Funded by Jigsaw Homes.
Thank you to One Manchester whose funding enabled Chatty Craft to attend the trip.
