Support Ushi Develop & Research - Shawl Stories Exhibition
Donation protected
Weaving Memories: A Journey Through South Asian Textile Heritage
Hidden in cupboards across British South Asian homes lay treasures that tell stories spanning generations - precious shawls that have witnessed celebrations, marked milestones, and carried the whispers of our ancestors. As a British South Asian female artist with 35 years of experience in Fashion, Costume, and Interiors, I've always been drawn to these "textiles of significance" that hold our heritage in their delicate threads.
Every shawl has a story. Some were wedding gifts, others marked the birth of a child, and many traveled across oceans with families starting new lives. These aren't mere pieces of fabric; they're vessels of memory, carefully preserved by their guardians, making occasional appearances at special moments before being tucked away again with reverence.
My journey began with the realisation that these stories are slowly fading into the folds of time. Through my extensive travels worldwide and work with textiles over the years, I've developed a deep appreciation for the cultural traditions and craftsmanship that create these enduring pieces. Now, I'm embarking on an ambitious project to preserve and reimagine these textile traditions for future generations.
The Vision
I'm seeking support to create an innovative exhibition that will:
- Document personal accounts from the South Asian community about their cherished textiles.
- Transform selected textiles as heirloom pieces into contemporary wearable art.
- Create a bridge between traditional textile heritage and modern fashion.
- Establish a sustainable service that helps others create their own modern heirlooms.
This isn't just about preservation; it's about transformation. I envision working with beloved shawls - with their guardians' blessing - and whilst remembering they exist, reimagining them into pieces that can be worn and cherished daily, not just stored away for special occasions. This approach honours our heritage while making it relevant to contemporary life.
Why It Matters
In an era of fast fashion, we're losing our connection to meaningful textiles. This project offers an alternative: a circular economy model that respects the stories woven into our existing textiles while giving them new life. By transforming these pieces, we're not just preserving history - we're creating new stories for future generations.
How You Can Help
Your support will fund:
- Research and documentation of textile stories across the South Asian community.
- Development of the exhibition space.
- Materials and resources for creating transformed pieces.
- Marketing and administration to share these stories widely.
- Foster/generate intergenerational engagement and connections through shared textile heritage.
The Impact
Together, we can:
- Preserve precious cultural narratives.
- Create sustainable, meaningful fashion.
- Bridge generational gaps through shared textile heritage.
- Establish a new model for honouring and transforming heirloom textiles.
Every contribution helps weave this vision into reality.
Join me in creating a future where our textile heritage isn't just preserved, but lived, worn, and celebrated every day.
Your support will help transform hidden treasures into living stories, worn proudly by a new generation of guardians.
Organizer
Ushi Parekh-Ward
Organizer