Drawing on the textile traditions reflected in Anahita Akhavan’s new mural, West Block becomes a place for shared making. Working with SHEEEP Studio, visitors of all ages will assemble textiles throughout the afternoon, gathering colour, pattern, and the gestures of many hands.
A living artwork unfolds at West Block with Social Fabric—a large-scale, participatory installation inspired by the textile craft traditions reflected in Anahita Akhavan’s newest mural commission مجلس Majles / Sitting Room.
Developed in collaboration with SHEEEP Studio, this activation invites visitors to take part in the collective creation of a temporary textile that grows throughout the afternoon. Drawing from Iranian rug work, participants are encouraged to assemble fabric elements into a shared composition that playfully extends the Akhavan’s mural beyond the staircase and across the site.
Spanning the site’s landing and gathering area, the work gradually takes shape, layered with colour, pattern, and the gestures of many hands. Guided by local artists and facilitators, visitors of all ages can contribute using materials inspired by the mural’s colour palette and motifs, exploring the rhythms of repetition, variation, and connection that define textile practices across cultures.
As the work evolves, Social Fabric becomes both an artwork and a social experience, a space for exchange, collaboration, and reflection on how individual contributions come together to form something larger. This event invites everyone no matter their age or skill level to take part in shaping a collective expression of community through material and making.
What to expect:
- This event will take place outdoors in and around West Block. The event will go ahead rain or shine. Follow along on our social media for live updates in event of extreme weather.
- This is a drop-in event. Visitors are welcome to participate or watch at their leisure throughout the event.
- All skill levels are welcome – no previous art-making experience necessary.
- Youth under 16 must be accompanied by a caregiver.
- All materials will be provided.
- Event assistants with Bentway shirts will be available near the site entrances to West Block along Bathurst Street to assist in directing those who may need an accessibility entrance. For questions about accessibility at this event, please email us at: [email protected]
- Photography, video, and audio recording may occur. By participating in any Step-Up Series activities, you consent to such recording and to the release, publication, exhibition or reproduction of these recordings and photographs by The Bentway or Choice Properties.
مجلس Majles / Sitting Room by Anahita Akhavan is curated by The Bentway and presented in partnership with Choice Properties.
