Held at A4 on the occasion of Igshaan Adams’ Open Production, the artist, together with designer Nicola West (creative director of W35T), host a three-day workshop, offering ten participants from the Scalabrini Centre Women’s Platform an opportunity to further engage with material potential. All skilled crafters, the women contribute a diverse range of skills and resources to this enquiry.

Championing curiosity as a creative practice, West and Adams encourage play, invite risk and failure, and welcome accidents that arise en route to making. In form, the workshop considers the lifecycle of a product – from initial concept to sale – yet it extends beyond product development to an exploration and articulation of the participants’ processes; their aesthetics and aspirations. While the workshop includes sessions on pattern-making, weaving, dye techniques, reclaimed fabrics, and marketing, it is the moments of spontaneous exchange that are perhaps most productive. 

In addition to more practical skill-sharing, the participants are introduced to Rewoven, a start-up that diverts textile waste to small-scale manufacturers. Wholesalers and suppliers are selected to assist the women in sourcing materials.

At the conclusion of the three-day workshop with West and Adams, jewellery designer Katherine-Mary Pichulik (creative director of Pichulik), supported by Hamzeh Alfarahneh (creative director of Proto, the store at A4), lead the women in a ‘role play’ session and offer advice on the necessary skills needed to run a business, establish a social media presence, and present products to potential buyers.

Our warmest thanks to all who contributed to this project: Igshaan Adams and Nicola West for their generosity, The Scalabrini Centre for this partnership, Winnie Sze and Helen Andrews for their guidance, Esethu Cenga at Rewoven, and Katherine-Mary Pichulik.
 
To the participants – Kelly Joyce Mitendu, Emmah Mithoni, Therese Baleka, Tina Bukumbabu, Nossa Mayengo, Belinda Alimu, Pauline Tshibanda, Veronique Koso Ekombo, Janet Niyidufasha, and Eulalie Botoyi – our heartfelt appreciation for engaging in the workshop.

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The Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town is an NGO that fosters the cultural, social and economic integration of migrants, refugees and South Africans in local society. Committed to alleviating poverty and promoting development in the Western Cape, the Centre advocates respect for human rights with a holistic approach that considers all basic needs, from food security to opportunities for further education.  

The Women’s Platform is a network that facilitates connections, shared knowledge and resources, and access to opportunities. The Platform offers a variety of practical peer-led training in different skills, such as craft, hospitality and childcare. The network is cultivated through two areas of focus; personal development and financial sustainability.

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Nicola West is the founder of W35T, a luxury fashion label based in Cape Town. As a designer and custom textile painter, Nicola pays special attention to material integrity. She works with natural fabrics sourced to be end-of-run wherever possible, and manipulates them by hand to create ethically mindful, once-off garments that pair sophistication with comfort.

Katherine-Mary Pichulik is the founder and creative director of Pichulik, an ethical jewellery and accessories atelier in Cape Town. The Pichulik team is a pan-African group of spirited women who create everything by hand: each jewellery piece is made by a single artist and imbued with her own unique design skill. The atelier employs women, collaborates with women, and outsources to women-owned small businesses to promote job creation and economic activity in local communities, and champions and augments women’s earning capacity.