Exciting Announcement: A Quilt in The Making
We are thrilled to announce our commission of textile artist Julia O'Connell. In November 2024, Warwick Arts Centre will celebrate its 50th anniversary. As part of this celebration, we have commissioned Julia O'Connell to create a quilt that embodies the spirit of community, expression, and activism.
About Julia O'Connell
Julia's artistic journey has taken her around the world, where she has immersed herself in global cultures and artistic traditions. From exploring natural dye production and sustainable garment manufacturing in Morocco to stitching with community co-operatives in Bhuj, India, Julia's experiences inform and enrich her artistic practice. Additionally, her participation in a retreat workshop with quilters from Gee's Bend, Alabama has informed her practice.
Julia's dedication to sustainability is evident in her choice of materials and techniques. She follows the Slow Textile movement, creating works from sustainable materials such as vintage and found dyed linen and cotton fabrics, and repurposing gifted sewing ephemera. Her mindful approach to artmaking reflects her values of environmental stewardship and ethical consumption.
Julia's career as an artist spans international exhibitions and collaborative projects that reflect her commitment to storytelling and community engagement through textile art. Her work includes notable projects such as The Visible Maker project showcased at the Textile Society of America's Symposium in Boston (2020), and "Self Portrait - Mother/Service/Voice" featured in Ice Floe Press, Toronto, Canada (2021). Notably, she led a team of six artists in creating the coat for Godiva Awakes as part of Imagineer Productions for the Cultural Olympiad in London 2012.
The Power of Quilts in Activism
Throughout history, quiltmakers have utilised their craft to communicate political and social messages, advocating for causes such as equal voting rights for women and abolition. The commissioning of Julia O'Connell's quilt invites us to reflect on the legacy of quilts as tools for social change and activism. By incorporating her expertise and passion for activism into this project, Julia's quilt will serve as a powerful symbol of resilience, solidarity, and hope.
Collaboration with Community Partners
Julia's work will serve as a centrepiece for our celebration, highlighting the power of collaboration with our community partners, including Kairos, Canley Community Centre, Foleshill Women's Training Centre and George Eliot Hospital. Additionally, we are excited to involve the vibrant community of staff and students at the University of Warwick, who will join us in workshops and events to contribute to the creation of this meaningful quilt.
Installation and Public Engagement
The quilt will be installed at Warwick arts Centre and unveiled in November 2024 as part of our anniversary celebrations. This installation will tie into the Material Worlds textile exhibition in the Mead Gallery, providing audiences with an opportunity to engage with the project and quilt while it is installed.
Connect on social media
Stay updated on the progress of the project and join the conversation by following Julia O'Connell on Instagram.
Use hashtags #RiseUpAndQuilt, #SlowStitch, and #QuiltGathering to share your experiences and connect with fellow participants.
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