Creating a Connected Textile Community
One of the things WARP members always report they value about their WARP membership is the community it brings together. Our networking roundtable this month will be to shine a light on the everyday stories of how textiles bring people together and the value that they get from that community.
Textile artists and artisans have been creating designs and fashions for centuries. Many of the designs and patterns contain symbols that are unique to particular cultures and beliefs. Modern fashion designers have sometimes “borrowed” some of the designs, symbols, patterns, etc. without permission or acknowledgement or understanding. At what point can this be considered cultural appropriation? And how can a partnership be established to acknowledge and respect the original artisans?
Textiles often preserve and retain/reflect a culture’s beliefs, values, identities, history, future, and social structure, to name a few key concepts. Keeping traditional textile practices alive in a changing world can be an arduous process involving time, energy, persistence, and commitment. Recognizing the contributions and perspectives of past, current, and future artisans can bring many questions to the forefront.
Sustainability matters! It’s time to change the way we make and appreciate textiles. As people who value the textile arts, how can we promote and incorporate sustainability? Let’s get the discussion going so that we can start taking action!