For Windrush Day 2024, I have partnered with Hotel Elephant to deliver a free embroidery workshop for young people aged 16-21! With support from Southwark Council’s Windrush 75 Commemoration Fund, we are pleased to be able to offer 10 free spaces for this workshop for young people.
About the Windrush Day Raffia Embroidery Workshop
Join us for an exciting and creative workshop where you will learn the basics of raffia embroidery and create a beautiful piece of raffia embroidery hoop art. Taking inspiration from your culture, background, and heritage, you will design your embroidery artwork to be stitched with raffia. All the materials and equipment will be provided.
This workshop celebrates Windrush Day, a day that recognises the pivotal moment in British history when thousands of people from the Caribbean arrived in the UK to help rebuild the country after the war. Attendees will get the chance to learn a little bit more about the Windrush Generation, Caribbean culture, and crafts.
New to crafts? This workshop is completely beginner-friendly, all you need is the enthusiasm to try something new! You'll leave the workshop with a beautiful piece of raffia embroidery hoop art you can hang up at home and some newfound embroidery skills. If you don't finish on time, you'll have everything you need to finish at home.
It's a relaxing and mindful way to spend a few hours of your day, and you'll also learn how to use creativity and crafts to celebrate your heritage.
Workshop Details
| Date | Saturday 22nd June 2024 |
| Time | 11am - 3pm |
| Location | Hotel Elephant St Johns, St Johns School, Larcom Street London, SE17 1NQ |
Closest Stations
Elephant & Castle Tube Station (Bakerloo Line & Northern Line)
Elephant & Castle Railway Station (Thameslink & Southeastern)
Bus Routes
12, 35, 40, 45, 68, 148, 171, 176, 468, P5
How to Apply for a Free Place on the Workshop
We have 10 free places available for young people aged 16-21. Please use the button below to apply for a place. Applications will be open until 31st May. Participants will be notified of their place during the week commencing 3rd June. If oversubscribed places will be allocated at random and a waiting list system implemented.
Please contact workshops@hotelelephant.co.uk if you have any questions.
Why you should attend the workshop
Learn how to embroider with raffia
Celebrate the Windrush Generation & learn about Caribbean crafts
Celebrate your heritage & share it with other through craft
Create a beautiful piece of raffia hoop art
Relax & unwind whilst being creative
About Hotel Elephant
Hotel Elephant is a not-for-profit organisation based in Southwark, London. Founded in 2009, they've supported the arts for over 15 years. They offer workspace, host exhibitions and events, and provide educational spaces in Elephant & Castle. Their mission is to provide and safeguard long-term spaces for artistic expression, cultural exploration, and creative businesses in London.
Hotel Elephant has a history of providing over 80,000 square feet of workspace across various “meanwhile use” buildings around Elephant and Castle. Currently, they manage five locations in SE1 and SE17, offering studios, project spaces, offices, and desks. This network supports a thriving community of over 175 members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes! This workshop is completely beginner-friendly, all you need is the enthusiasm to try something new.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for the workshop?
To make to most of this workshop, we encourage you to gather and bring images inspired by your unique heritage, background, and culture. These will serve as your springboard for design during the session. Upon booking your spot, you'll receive detailed guidance and inspiration to help you!
Is there an age limit?
This workshop has been designed for young people aged 16-21. Anyone under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian to attend the workshop and provide emergency contact details.
Do I need to bring anything to the workshop?
All materials and equipment will be provided, but we do ask that you bring some visual research into your background, culture, or heritage to be inspired by during the session. This can be images on your phone, printed images, small objects, or books from the library.
What if I don’t finish my project by the end of the workshop?
Don't worry - if you don't finish in the workshop, you'll have everything you need to finish at home.
Will refreshments be provided?
A small selection of soft drinks and snacks will be provided. There will be a break for lunch, where you can leave the premises to purchase lunch, or you are welcome to bring your packed lunch. The workshop space has a small kitchenette with a fridge, microwave, and kettle available.
This workshop has been developed by Tihara Smith in partnership with Hotel Elephant and funded by the Southwark Council Windrush 75 Commemoration Fund.
