CREATIVE MATTERZ FUND PROJECT PRESENTATION

From 100 submissions, this project idea was selected as 1 of 10 by a renowned jury based on the criteria of sustainability, originality, inclusivity, impact and aesthetics. The Creative Matterz Fund has supported all projects with €500, mentorship opportunities and pr. Now you can see what the creatives have realized in the last 3 months and vote for your favorite 3 project to win a total of €1000 in support of their work.

TEXTILE ARTS SUMMER CAMP

We have created a week long day summer camp and workshops geared towards kids ages 8-12. Using different themes on the environmental and social implications of the fast fashion industry, we want to educate kids about where their clothing comes from, who makes it and in what conditions, and what happens to it at the end of the life cycle. We have partnered with a Canadian non-profit organization called Fashion Takes Action to use some of their educational materials, and will also include textile arts projects so that kids can practice some techniques, get creative, and develop an appreciation for the work that goes into what we wear.

Each day of the camp will focus on a different theme, with corresponding games and activities that will get kids thinking and discussing the issues at hand in an interactive and engaging way. The workshops also use these themes, but we have simplified them to give parents and kids the options to join for shorter time periods or for specific topics that they find most interesting.

During the camp week, we will compile some of the projects, art, journal entries, and other activities into a zine that the campers can share with their friends and families. The zine will be both analogue and printed so that others can also join in the activities and reflect on their own relationships with their clothing. In this way, we hope that the scope of the project can reach more people and enable other families to participate in this movement as well.

MEET THE TEAM

“We both strongly believe in the power of knowledge and bottom-up change, and want to inspire youth to think about the deeply problematic clothing industry and give them the tools to try to change it in their own communities.”

Catie (L) & Alice (R) Photo: @adoretextilearts

Caitie is a fashion studies enthusiast, educator and entrepreneur with experience in UX design, marketing and jewellery upcycling. She has worked on various projects in the field of sustainability but has focused specifically on fashion for many years. Through her work in education in multiple settings, including the non-profit Fashion Takes Action, Caitie is inspired to continue to push for change in regard to fashion industry standards and inspire others to do the same.

Alice is a multidisciplinary artist and educator in the field of textiles. With a background in sociocultural anthropology, her experience ranges from ethnography to teaching workshops in quilting and natural dyeing. Recently her focus has turned to the fashion industry in an attempt to address the environmental and social consequences through education, engagement, and awareness.

How did the Creative Matterz Fund help you realize your project?
This is the first time for both of us to build and execute such an event, and we had limited time to do so. Creative Matterz Fund provided some financial support and exposure, but most importantly, provided a network of people we could turn to for advice.

Who were your mentors?
Inga & Kim

What learnings did you have?
Our biggest obstacle in executing this project was marketing. We got a lot of insights into resources where we could spread the word, as well as different approaches to how best to do so.

What is your vision for the future?
We hope to continue running these camps and workshops and want to expand them to include different age groups, with activities geared more towards teenagers and adults as well.

A big point for us is also how we can reach people who are not necessarily able to physically join one of our events. We would like to keep developing the idea of the zine with challenges, activities, and games that people can partake in independently, which would help to create more of a community in this movement. We want people to have the opportunity to share and discuss these issues and inspire each other to improve the relationships we have with our clothing.

How can one best support you?
Attending our workshops and camps, spreading the word about what we do, and participating in our virtual challenges and activities!