A Pond across a Pond
In August 2022 we were invited by the Brixton Bid to host an embroidery cloth during the Brixton x Harlem Festival. The project builds on the twinning with Harlem 125th street celebrating the common threads between the two districts one in the London and the other in New York. Both communities have a long and rich history of being epicentres for a convergence of diversity, informed by a high population being of African descent, representing various parts of diaspora, living and working within the Bid’s borders. The festival programme explores the deep cultural and historical similarities between the two communities.
Gianluca Rizzo, managing director of the Brixton Bid stated ‘Brixton and Harlem share similar stories and values. Diversity, inclusivity, equality and justice represent the foundations of our communities. We want to celebrate our stories and create a better economy and society’
Alongside a rich programme of music, dance, film, food and talks, Stitch-School ran the embroidery cloth in the Brixton Theatre over a week in August. The response was wonderful and it gave people a chance to sit and chat informally. The visitors from Harlem also really appreciated it, with one quote ‘this is more relaxing than a power nap’!
The design of the cloth included landmarks from Brixton and Harlem, divided in two parts so when finished it can be made into two banner with one being gifted to Harlem!
The embroidery reflected the energy around the table, full of fun, chatter, laughter and glitter!
