Four exceptional female artists lead our International Women’s Day programme:
Award-winning textile artist, Holly Searle; Peruvian sculptor and costume designer Carolina Rieckhof; founder of Numbi Arts Kinsi Abdulleh; and artist Aziza Kadyri who represented Uzbekistan at the 2024 Venice Biennale.
Come together to craft, connect and create at our workshops and discover the power of art to celebrate our diverse heritage, share our stories and make our voices heard
SEW IN SOLIDARITY WITH HOLLY SEARLE AKA THE SUBVERSIVE STITCHER
When?
Sip and Sew: Friday 28 February, 5pm – 8.30pm
Lunch and Sew: Saturday 1 March, 11am – 4.30pm
Where?
Braithwaite Hall
A creative masterclass in transforming a vintage tea towel into a bold statement artwork! Award-winning textile artist Holly Searle, also known as The Subversive Stitcher, will guide you through through the process of personalising a tea towel with a powerful message. Your tea towel will be included as part of a new art installation as part of The Wendy Project – read more here.
Advance booking required. All materials provided and will include one tea towel per adult (over 18 only).
You can also drop into the Braithwaite Hall 10am – 5pm on Fri 28 Feb and Sat 1 Mar to see an exhibition from Holly Searle’s Subverted Tea Towel series.
MY POLLERA, MY STORY – CRAFT WORKSHOP WITH CAROLINA RIECKHOF
When?
Saturday 15 March, 10.30am – 1pm, 2pm – 4.30pm
Where?
Croydon Clocktower
£10
Explore the symbolic language of the Pollera, a traditional Andean skirt. Discover the meanings behind its decorative motifs, from geometric patterns to natural elements, and learn to “read” its designs. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own paper Pollera, blending traditional symbols with personal expression to craft a unique homage to your story.
The workshop is open to 10 adult participants. All materials provided and will include one Pollera per adult (over 16 only). Each participant may bring up to three children/young people (aged 5 – 14) if you would like to work as a family unit (one Pollera per unit). There is no charge for the children’s tickets.
AFRICAN TEXTILES – NATURAL DYES WORKSHOP & IFTAR WITH KINSI ABDULLEH
When?
Saturday 22 March 10.30am – 12.30pm (drop-in)
Where?
Atrium, Croydon Clocktower
FREE
When?
Saturday 22 March, 5pm – 8pm (FREE but booking required)
Where?
Braithwaite Hall
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of African textiles as you experiment with natural dyes like indigo, Sibaaq, cola nut, and hibiscus. Using resist dyeing and painting techniques, you’ll create a unique piece of textile art to take home. Enjoy this creative, cultural, and communal experience—all materials provided!
During the evening workshop, we’ll pause for Iftar and enjoy a meal to break the fast for those observing Ramadan. A prayer room will be provided. Iftar is kindly donated by Croydon Muslim Association.
STITCHING LUCK – TALISMAN CRAFTING WITH AZIZA KADYRI
When?
Saturday 29 March, 11am – 1pm; 2pm – 4pm (drop-in)
Where?
Atrium, Croydon Clocktower
FREE
Explore the tumar, a centuries-old lucky charm still cherished across Central Asia. Embedded in embroidery and ikat fabrics, it carries deep symbolic meaning. This hands-on workshop delves into its history and significance, guiding you in crafting your own modern talisman, influenced by tradition and your personal culture. Take your time designing a unique piece—and for an extra touch of magic, tuck a small wish inside. This workshop is led by the multidisciplinary artist Aziza Kadyri who represented Uzbekistan at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024.
A note to participants: Workshops are designed for adult participants. They are open to women and anyone who identifies as a woman. We ask our male allies to sit this one out; however, we do welcome carers of all genders who enable women to participate. For example, a carer supporting a woman with a disability. Other than 28 February and 1 March, participants are welcome to bring their babies and children but note no activities are provided for under 16s and boys aged 14+ should not attend.