Image: Karen Blackwood, I'm Really Quite Cross
July 2 - August 6, 2021
Opening event: July 2, 5:30-7:30pm
‘Crafting change’ studio: Saturday, July 24, 1-5pm
The Mill welcomes The Centre of Democracy to present Stitch and Resist, an exhibition of contemporary craftivism. Bringing together 140 works by activists from all around the world, this project is an example of the agency of communities working with a shared goal. Each individual stitch comes together to create collective meaning that is multi layered, complex and gestalt. The artists exhibited as part of Stitch and Resist do not necessarily see themselves as artists, and perhaps didn’t think of themselves as activists either. The works are both political in their messaging, and in their creation, allowing individuals to create statements that are personally meaningful from within their own homes or as part of community group.
We hope that visitors will be inspired by what you see in the gallery, and encourage you to consider your own politics and values in relation to the works on display. We also invite you to join local craftivists for a special public program Crafting Change on Saturday July 24 where you can hear from Stitch and Resist artists, purchase a cross stitch kit, create a Stitch and Resist themed badge and listen to protest music with Dan Monceaux AKA DJ Sepia.
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This exhibition is the culmination of a year long project of the same name, in which the Centre of Democracy engaged with community organisations and groups, as well as with the general public, to discuss, and create works addressing a range of contemporary issues.
Stitch & Resist showcases craftivist pieces that vary in terms of skill level and artistic merit. Their significance lies less in these values than in the political work they do, the contribution they make to social change. Pieces that appear in the exhibition have been created in English, Arabic, and indigenous languages, and many address diversity, inclusion and equality. As well as functioning as vehicles for addressing contemporary social issues, the works demonstrate the fact that everyone can be involved in craftivism. Over 140 works have been produced by a large number of individuals, community groups, and partner organisations from across South Australia, Australia, and internationally.
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The Centre of Democracy is a collaboration between the History Trust of South Australia and the State Library of South Australia. It showcases the people, ideas and movements that have shaped, and continue to shape, democracy in South Australia. Featuring treasures from the state’s collections, the gallery contents challenge visitors to think again about people and power.
Nikki Sullivan is Manager of the Centre of Democracy, a collaboration between the History Trust of South Australia and the State Library of South Australia.
Britt Burton is the Public Programs Coordinator for the History Trust of South Australia and the Centre of Democracy.
This exhibition has support from
