Melville Textile Project is all Stitched Up

The project is the result of more than 100 people, aged 11 to 96 years, taking part in the project to produce more than 130 pieces of work that were put together to make five textile panels.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said the project was a City of Melville initiative to bring different people from the area together to create a textile art installation that shared their stories. “The aim was to create a fun and creative atmosphere to produce a piece of work that represents the City of Melville’s diverse community,” he said. “The project has been an outstanding success for its ability to bring people together and the finished artwork is a testament to all those involved.”

Project coordinators Iris Whitelock and Juliet Hargreaves began the process more than two years ago, conducting workshops with a range of different community groups, including Applecross Senior High School, the Royal Australian Air Force Association, Murdoch Hospice, Djidi Djidi Group, Designing Women and Nulsen Haven.

The groups participated in workshops that taught them a range of skills from hand and machine embroidery through to fabric painting and innovative ways to transfer images onto fabric using a computer and inkjet printer.

Community Development Officer – Arts, Hannah Katarski said the project had been a profoundly inclusive project with participants coming from a range of backgrounds to share their stories and experiences. “The project has helped to promote tolerance and understanding in Melville,” she said. “I encourage everyone to come and view the work and appreciate the meaning behind it.”

The artwork is now installed in the foyer of the Melville Civic Centre, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon and can be viewed from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.