Dissemination Activity – Crafting a Collective Vision

On September 5th, we gathered for a vibrant and hands-on workshop where we created a sustainable fashion Collective Vision. This unique event brought together participants of all ages to reflect on community values through the creative medium of fabric art. The goal? To co-create a garland—a large tapestry symbolizing our collective ideas of responsibility, sustainability, inclusivity, and empathy.

Introduction Game "Connecting Threads"

At the start of our workshop, we kicked things off with an introduction game called "Connecting Threads." Each participant received a colorful thread and a hand tag, where they wrote down what makes a sustainable neighborhood most livable for them. Then, they passed their thread to the next person, knotting it together. By the end, we had a beautiful web of interwoven threads, symbolizing the connections between our individual ideas and values. These threads later became part of a fabric tapestry, reflecting the collective meaning of neighborhood engagement and connection.

What Did We Do?

Participants were divided into four groups, each focusing on a different theme:

1. Community and Inclusivity: Exploring what it means to build welcoming and unified communities.
   Symbols: Rainbows, bridges, groups of people—simple yet powerful representations of togetherness.
   

2. Environment and Responsibility: Highlighting our shared role in protecting the environment.
   Symbols: The Earth, hands cradling the planet, circular arrows signifying recycling and sustainability.
   

3. Democratic Values: Emphasizing civic engagement and the importance of democratic participation.
   Symbols: Ballot boxes, justice scales, and linked hands, reminding us of the power of active participation.
   

4. Social Support: Focusing on empathy, mental health, and kindness in supporting one another, especially the most vulnerable.
   Symbols: Open hands, hearts, and wings symbolizing hope and care.
   

Each group discussed their respective themes, reflecting on the values they represent. Then, they had the option to either use pre-made fabric symbols or craft their own designs that spoke to their understanding of each topic. The discussions were lively, and the creative process was a beautiful blend of collaboration and expression.

The Grand Finale

At the end of the workshop, the participants proudly attached their fabric pieces to the large garland — a beautiful mosaic of creativity and shared vision. This garland will be displayed as a symbol of our collective commitment to building better, more inclusive, and caring neighborhoods. Best of all, everyone had the chance to take home their personal contributions as a reminder of the experience.

What's Next?

We’re still working on refining the discussion questions to dive deeper into these themes in future workshops. Have any ideas for us? We’d love to hear them!

Stay tuned for more workshops like this, where creativity meets community, and we continue to shape our shared future—one stitch at a time.

Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER to not miss out on any upcoming activites!

Collaboration

The success of our workshop was greatly enhanced through our collaboration with Olga Milevska from Simply Repair, whose expertise in sustainable fashion and second-hand clothing was invaluable. Specializing in supporting migrant women to start their own fashion businesses, Simply Repair brought a unique perspective to the event. Their commitment to sustainability resonated with the themes of responsibility and environmental stewardship, inspiring participants to reflect on how we can incorporate these values into our communities. This partnership not only enriched the creative process but also highlighted the power of sustainability and inclusivity in building stronger neighborhoods.

A speacial THANK YOU to Olga and her Team for that fruitful hands-on experience!

Gallery