WHAT IS THIS COLLABORATIVE
EMBROIDERY ART PROJECT
Purpose:
The purpose of this project was to listen to and explore immigrant women’s stories, and through a process of interpretation, to understand and shed light on the lived experiences and cultures behind those stories. Participants were asked to illustrate their personal experiences as immigrants through embroidery within the safe space of an art therapy group, facilitated in collaboration with and the support of Abrigo Centre.
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What was Involved?
For this occasion we worked together for almost 3 months to make an exhibition to raise awareness about the experience of immigrant women through embroidery and story telling in group art therapy. The collection of the embroidered artworks were selected from reflection and debate among all parties involved.
The group included eight art therapy sessions (2 hrs. per week).
During the sessions participants shared their stories through embroidered art and verbally.
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Participants:
All participants are immigrant women, either new or who have been living in Canada for some time. With multiple origins and a commonality, the Portuguese language, in which they shared and listened to each other's stories, the participants constitute a multicultural group.
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Project rationale:
Many cultures have mastered embroidery techniques and used them to communicate and express emotions which helps to strengthen their communities, and consequently art therapists are increasingly using this medium where it may be culturally relevant.
In 2020, Hanania’s research study demonstrated that an embroidery group with Syrian refugees in Canada improved their feelings of confidence, empowerment and resilience, and increased their feelings of being part of a community. Moreover, her study demonstrated a culturally competent approach, and models how art therapy can support the settlement and mental health of newcomers to Canada.
ABOUT ABRIGO CENTRE
Motto
Connecting People to Possibilities
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Mission Statement
To build community capacity in west Toronto by helping individuals and families achieve their full potential.
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Vision
To ensure our collaborative efforts result in socially integrated and empowered individuals, families and communities.