Textile Activism and Fashion Upcycling

Spend a day at the V&A taking inspiration from the DIVA exhibition, a celebration of the power, creativity and agency of iconic performers. During this workshop you will explore your identity and values and find creative ways to express your unique message to the world through an upcycled garment.

Environmentally and socially-engaged artist and designer Alisa Ruzavina will guide you through applique, embroidery, printmaking and beadwork techniques to revitalise an item from your wardrobe. Alisa will also share her experience of creating a value-driven and sustainable career in the world of fashion, textiles and art.

Please bring along a selection of preloved items of clothing to customise during the workshop.

This workshop is for 18–26-year-olds and includes a complimentary ticket to the DIVA exhibition. Please arrive for 10.00 to visit DIVA before the workshop begins at 11.00.

Alisa Ruzavina is a socially-engaged and ecology-tending interdisciplinary artist, designer and facilitator. With her work, Alisa creates spaces for cultivation of sustainable and place-based ways of making, thinking and being that invite alternative perspectives, nourish a sense of belonging and encourage environmental and social agency.