The Centre of Democracy is proud to launch the Stitch & Resist exhibition, at the The Mill Adelaide, Angas Street, Adelaide, showing the art of activism through medium of cross stitch.

Stitch & Resist was launched in March 2020 as a form of ‘craftivism’ and a way to address a variety of issues facing our society. After the global outbreak of COVID-19, the project’s focus was shifted to answer the question: How can we continue to resist injustice, engage in the everyday practice of democracy, and take care of our wellbeing in the midst of a pandemic?

The project involved craftivism from the general public in the form of cross-stitch where they could express their anger, frustrations or burning questions on their aida cloth, creating a landscape of powerful messages from those who are often left powerless.

This Stitch & Resist exhibition brings together 140 works by activists from all around the world, and is an example of the agency of communities working with a shared goal. Each individual stitch comes together to create collective meaning that is multi layered, complex and gestalt. The artists exhibited as part of Stitch & Resist do not necessarily see themselves as artists, and perhaps didn’t think of themselves as activists either. The works are both political in their messaging, and in their creation, allowing individuals to create statements that are personally meaningful from within their own homes or as part of community group.

We hope that you will be inspired by what you see in the gallery, and encourage you to consider your own politics and values in relation to the works on display.

When: Friday 2 July to Friday 6 August 20 21
(Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri; 10am-4pm and Sat 24 July, 1-5pm)

Cost: Free

Where: The Mill Adelaide, 154 Angas St, Adelaide SA 5000

To see the full collection of work, visit the Stitch & Resist website.

Download a copy of the Stitch & Resist exhibition catalogue here.