Co-stitch is a Bristol city-wide, co-produced research project exploring the stories of Bristol’s hidden communities. Through stitching together, we are exploring the role of creativity in tackling societal questions and the storytelling made possible through material methods.
Co-stitch is a collaboration between University of Bristol academics, civic partners, creative industries, community groups, and individuals from across the city of Bristol.
In this project, Research Associate Kate Bowen- Viner, carried out qualitative research with two different communities to explore what stitching does in communities and the value of material methods:
- a predominantly South Asian group facilitated by Dr Nilu Ahmed in Easton, Bristol
- a group of refugees (mostly from Ukraine and Hong Kong) who are engaging through “Bridges for Communities” stitching group Stitching Together in Yate, facilitated by artist Dawn Giles.
“It has been a huge pleasure to see the development of this initiative with community partners in the city and to have possibilities to research the processes and experiences with participants. Textiles have a long history in many cultures and communities and the practices offer possibilities for connection and participation in supportive ways”. Prof Debbie Watson, Brigstow Institute Director and Professor In Child and Family Welfare, University of Bristol.