'Pattern Makers' is a collaborative process through artistic exploration and making led by artists Paul Bokslag and Liz Nilsson with culturally diverse and new communities. Pattern Makers is a process over eight months with members of the Syrian community in county Kilkenny and the wider community of Callan, Thomastown and Ferrybank. The process aims to engage participants in an exploration of place, belonging and pattern-making. Pattern Makers will utilise the new resource of PrintBlock Callan, opening up and expanding this asset to culturally diverse communities. The artistic outputs will be a tangible element of a collaborative art and design practice, platformed at VISUAL as part of Workhouse Union’s Matters of Care conference. Participants will acquire screen printing skills, conceptualise patterns and engage in a collaborative creative process and enquiry. The workshops will be facilitated by artists Liz Nilsson and co designed by Paul Bokslag, both of whom have extensive knowledge and experience working in collaborative practice.

Kilkenny LEADER Partnership (KLP) are establishing a designated Personal Development Programme for women from the Syrian community in Kilkenny county, Pattern Makers will be integrated into the programme. An invitation will be extended to the wider communities of Thomastown, Callan and Ferrybank through Workhouse Union and KLP’ social media channels, websites and local media.Participants can contact hannah@callanworkhouseunion.com

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.