Running from 15 February – 4 March, the Martin Hall Exhibition Space will be transformed into a ‘makerspace’ for anyone to try out a selection of crafts including badge making, tote bag decorating and making ceramic jewellery.
Crafting Identity was inspired by the historical use of craft and DIY processes for LGBT+ activism, from protest banners and handmade flags to self-published zines. This makerspace is therefore intended to celebrate LGBT+ history and connect people through the process of making.
All materials and instructions will be provided, and it is free to visit anytime from 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
You do not need any prior experience to have a go at the craft activities as they are all suitable for beginners. There are activities you can spend 5-10 minutes on, and others where you may want to take more time and spend an hour or two making something. There’s even a specially curated reading area to give you some inspiration for your piece and free tea to help yourself to.
People are encouraged to hang their finished works on the exhibition wall for everyone to enjoy. There will be a closing event on Friday 4 March where people can collect their items – or they can be collected from the LU Arts office after this date.
In addition, there will be four facilitated workshops taking place during this period. They are as follows:
- Abstract expressionist painting – with Stevie Ashurst*
16 February, 1pm-3pm - Self-Portraiture and Queer Identity Workshops – with Chaz Howkins
18 February, 1pm-3pm - Textiles, light and embroidery workshop – with Ricardo O.Nascimento*
24 February, 5pm-7pm - My Queer Journal (journaling workshop) – with Em Tarasenko
25 February, 12pm-2pm
Places are limited for these sessions, so advanced booking is required. Please click the links above to register your place.
More information about Loughborough University’s LGBT+ History Month celebrations can be found here.
*These workshops have now sold out, but you can register to join the waiting list in case a space becomes available.