Behind every famous inspirational figure in the UK civil rights movement are everyday people calling for social change. They’re why We Still Here.
Jane Thakoordin is a textiles artist who combines crafts and activism together. Embroidering is just as expressive as signing petitions, emailing politicians, or slogans on a cardboard placard. She is particularly inspired by the resurgence of the handmade banner for protest marches and how the act of gathering to create something together, helps people feel connected to one another. Over the past year, Jane has worked with various groups to make their own protest textile banner. Each of them contains slogans which distil the stories of quiet and loud activism in North Birmingham that were shared around the table.
This project builds on Jane’s initial commission for the Bus Boycott Block Party where she debuted the first of her textile banners. The first banners reflected both the conversations she had with local residents and her inspiration from the grass roots activism behind the Bristol Bus Boycott. The camaraderie between school children, students, unions, and other members of the public is one that Jane will be trying to capture for We Still Here.
After the debut of these banners at To The Streets in Handsworth Park (where they will be in an Exhibitions Tent), they will return to the community groups they belong to. These banners are meant to be used because activism can’t be deadened, archived, or put behind a glass case. We’re still fighting for our rights today.
To book tickets to see the exhibition as part of To The Streets! visit birminghamhippodrome.com
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