Threads of Resistance

Abstract

"Threads of Resistance" was a major installation commissioned by the Museum of Brisbane with the survey exhibition "New Woman" (September 2019 – March 2020). It comprised a series of 30 works on paper (Protest Scores), 6 textile works (Pocket Protest: Suffragette Songs), a participatory installation (Pocket Placards) and corresponding engagement activities, 'Protest Poetry' banner making workshops, and 'New Intersections', a public panel discussion. This project addresses the dual concerns of activism and care ethics through an investigation of participatory, craft-based strategies in contemporary feminist art practice. "New Woman" featured 86 artists and attracted over 94,000 local and international visitors, as well as over 200 media reviews. There were over 4000 participants in the 'Pocket Placards' activity. Further research outcomes of this project were presented at 'Creative Practices, Community Engagement and Social Impact Symposium;, QUT in 2019, and the CARE national symposium held at Melbourne University in 2019.