Threads of Migration: A Community Sip n' Stitch for Boston Refugees
Wednesday, February 7, 6-8pm
City Hall Plaza Pavilion
Put your hands to work alongside Company One Theatre and our friends from AARW and the Welcome Blanket Project! Join us for an evening of fiber crafts and community stories that weave together Boston's history of migration and the urgent needs facing Boston's refugee communities today. Participants can share their stories and reflect on those of their neighbors, write welcome letters to new arrivals, and help knit, crochet and tie Welcome Blankets that will be gifted to refugees settling in the United States.
All are welcome, and no knitting or crafting experience is required! Refreshments, instructions and supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own knitting or crochet needles and yarn to use.
>> About Better Future Series
Become an active voice for your community! Our Better Future Series returns for its fourth season, bringing together Boston’s artists, changemakers, and community leaders. Convening in the City Hall Plaza Pavilion, participants will engage in community organizing through participatory workshops, conversations, and events that bring community voices to the City’s door.
>> About AARW
The Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW) is a political home for pan-Asian communities in Greater Boston. They are a member-led organization committed to building grassroots power through political education, creative expression, and issue-based and neighborhood organizing.
>> About the Welcome Blanket Project
Welcome Blanket is a platform for engagement that transforms the abstract concept of immigration into a tangible crowd-sourced artistic action. We ask you to use your head, heart, hands, and histories to craft the country we wish to see. Handcraft makers are invited to make Welcome Blankets. They include notecards with stories important to their families about immigration/migration/relocation to create symbolic and practical gifts of welcome for new refugees coming to the United States. These gifts are collected, cataloged, and displayed at art institutions and exhibitions. During these exhibits, we create spaces to amplify the message of welcome by hosting craft circles, performances, discussions, forums, and legal assistance for immigrants. Blankets made through this event will be sent to the Museum of Work and Culture, at 42 South Main Street Woonsocket, RI, 02895 for their exhibit and then distributed to organizations supporting refugees in New England.