Number 1010355
Sure Start Supergrans Banner Project
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Finished banner |
Women from Bank Top Community Centre's Tuesday Lunch Club, Sure Star Blackburn West's Supergrans Group and Shama Ladies Group took part in workshops to create a textile banner that celebrates diversity and the richness of the differences in our cultures. The sessions were held at St Silas's Church Hall and at Bank Top Community Centre, with valuable assistance from link workers Shaihaida Zulfiqar, Ruksana Khan and Carol Shore.
Original artwork was developed from ideas originating through group discussions that explored many issues. Individual and cultural identities were explored through dress, heritage foods, experiences, traditional art forms, reminiscence, religion, working lives, children, grandchildren and the changes in our society and environment.
All particpants enjoyed their creative experience and learning about each other. The group was fully invloved in the design and creation of the individual elements of the banner and its composition. Working with artist Clarey Ettrick and MA student Cath Moran, the ladies increased skills and knowledge of textile techniques such as block printing, silk painting and embroidery. The ladies brought books, artefacts and fabrics of their own to contribute to the ideas and development of the banner and to share with each other.
A short video that documents the making of the banner was also produced by Clare Donegan with assistance from BA Student Lisa Mumby.
Wonderfully colourful and measuring 2.5m by 2m the banner is full of texture and detail and is a testimony to the hard work and ideas that all the participants contributed. The banner will be exhibited in a brand new Sure Start children's centre in Blackburn.
One participant said " It was great to learn new skills and meet grannies from other cultures. A great experience and the banner is lovely!"
The project was funded through Sure Start Blackburn West, Blackburn with Darwen Primary Care Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council with funding from European Social Fund.
