This course introduces you to the art of Gentle Craftivism: activism using handicrafts as a tool for slow, kind and attractive protests that work. No craft skills needed, just an open heart and an open mind.

Gentle craftivism is for everyone, wherever you are in the world: from skilled crafters to burnt out activists, introverts, highly sensitive people, people struggling with eco-anxiety and those people who want to challenge injustice in the world but don’t know how to respond with respect to those they disagree with, where to start or how to prioritise their energy and time.

You will learn the theory and practice of gentle craftivism: the How To and the Why To. You will learn about Corbett’s unique ‘Gentle Protest’ methodology and dissect real case studies of her gentle craftivism to see how handicrafts (hand-embroidery and paper craft) can be used to help change hearts, minds, policies and laws around the world so that our world can become a healthier, happier and more harmonious place for all. You will use your head, hands and heart together to make more than one craftivism object to show you the different ways craftivism can be used for positive social change and how you can produce your own multi-sensory craftivism workshops for different audiences. There will also be time to discuss your own craftivism project ideas and strategies if you wish, as a group, to help you become an effective craftivist.

We will work in multiple locations in beautiful West Dean College with different learning styles, so that we can also explore its rich history with surrealist artists and be inspired by the magic and beauty of the unexpected and unconventional surrealism art we will be surrounded by.

All craft resources supplied and ethically sourced.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all of the materials including To take home to keep and continue to use

• 2 varied Craftivism DIY Kits
• A5 Craftivist Collective notebook
• ‘Capturing crafterthoughts’ pencil
• Various coloured embroidery thread
• Bespoke ribbon
• Case studies to dissect To borrow during the course:
• Table clothes
• Embroidery scissors
• Pens
• Embossing stamp,
• Instrumental music
• Samples of different craftivism projects
• Reference books

What students need to bring

Open Heart
Open Mind
No preparation needed but you can come with a craftivism project idea you would like advice on how to improve on.

Available to buy

Available from tutor:
Crafterthoughts room scent

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

Terms & Conditions