Media Release: Monday 11 June 2018

A community art project is using the ancient craft of felt-making to build bridges between generations.

Visual artist Birgit Moffatt is facilitating the project, which will create a community artwork made of felt for display in a public space.

The artwork is being put together in a series of eight workshops held at schools and community centres throughout Horowhenua, including Manakau School, Manawatu College, Waiopehu College, Horowhenua Art Society and Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō. The first workshop kicked off at Waiopehu College on Thursday 7 June, with around 20 people of various ages attending.

Participants in the workshops learn how to make felt, creating circles in a variety of colours. Different colours are used at each workshop to grow a rainbow of felt circles, which will be stitched together by members of the community in two final workshops at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō.

Each workshop is open to the public as well as students of host schools.

Mrs Moffatt said working with local schools and community centres offers an opportunity to bring people of different generations together.

“The aim of the project is to create connections between people who wouldn’t normally meet. It’s not just about the end product – it’s about linking the generations, working together and engaging with others.”

Horowhenua District Council Community Development Advisor Sophie Parrant said the project was a perfect fit for the theme of this year’s Vibrant Communities Grant, which funded it.

“We were looking for initiatives that create a link between generations or encourage people from different generations to work together. Mrs Moffatt’s project does exactly that – it really brings communities together,” she said.

The next workshop will be held on Wednesday 13 June at Horowhenua Art Society.

For more information, or to register, visit the Events page on Horowhenua District Council’s website, Facebook events at www.facebook.com/events/161381091368259, or contact birgitmoffatt@gmail.com.

ENDS

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