In 2019, I initiated and helped facilitate an object-based-learning workshop with a focus on ‘cultural appropriation’ with the CSM Museum. It was aimed at year 1 textile and jewellery students and was optional, about 9 students attended (out of 15 spaces available) Over the last year and a half, conversations around social justice and cultural identity have gained more momentum, entered our collective consciousness and I find that students are interested and wanting to engage more with them.
Since starting the PG Cert, I am more invested in having a better understanding myself and feel the additional language gained and resources referred to would enrich the workshop content and discussion further. Although this was merely a small starting point back in 2019, it was thought provoking and insightful and for my artefact, I would like to propose further tweaks to how we ran the workshop, put together a pre- or post- task reading list and ultimately think about how it could become part of the Textile Design curriculum, rather than an optional workshop. I will aim to get feedback from my colleagues and the CSM Museum as we would run it as a joint team.
Resources like Kwame Anthony Appiah’s Reith lecture on Culture where he discusses ‘Cultural appropriation’ v ‘Cultural exchange’; Critical Pedagogy, Critical Race Theory, the understanding of Whiteness, White privilege and the Colonial gaze as well as the SoR resources around facilitating inclusive workshops will all contribute to creating my Artefact.