GDIF 2024 | London’s free, annual outdoor performing arts festival 23 August-8 September 2024
Weaving Together: GDIF in Lockdown
Back in March, GDIF set up a series of participatory arts activities and commissions to engage with and support local residents during lockdown.
Artists imagined “at home” creative workshops which were delivered in food packages to shielding people, through a partnership with Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA) and online. Some wrote poetry, wove African baskets, wove strands of fabric symbolising diversity or assembled beautiful creations using upcycled everyday objects.
The results of many of these projects were woven into the On Your Doorstep programme.
Weaving is a great way of expressing connections and togetherness. We hope you’ll enjoy having a go, then sharing your creations as a symbol of community spirit.
We have created a full pack for schools and communities to learn new skills and take part in elements that will form part of our reimagined GDIF 2020.
This pack includes 3 activities:
Share your creations!
Once you’ve finished, why not display your artwork in your windows, in your homes and online?
Share your work online with us using:
#WeavingTogether
@GDIFestival
Keep in touch by signing up to our mailing list.
Weaving Together at the Festival
Take a look back at the 2020 events
A Walk of Peace and New Life: Lucy Isaiah
Saturday 29 August, 1-6pm
Woolwich Common Estate Multi-Use Games Area
Led by Lucy Isaiah and the Woolwich-based African Women Weavers, set up by Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich, a raffia woven archway, expressing the values of togetherness forms your entrance to our Woolwich Common Estate MUGA performances. Walk through and feel the strength of community spirit.
The Web: Rasheeda Page-Muir
Saturday 29 August, 1:50-2pm | 4:20-4:30pm
Woolwich Common Estate Multi-Use Games Area
Rasheeda Page-Muir is a spoken word poet and community organiser, born and raised in the borough of Greenwich. She was inspired to write her poem The Web by a day spent volunteering at Woolwich Common Community Centre, as part of our Weaving Together lockdown project. She will be performing as part of On Your Doorstep: Woolwich Common Estate.
Watch Rasheeda performing The Web for GDIF during lockdown here.
The Sociable Weaver: Natanya Mark & The Rosebud Centre for Girls
Sunday 30 August, 1-5pm
Dial Arch Square
This collaborative installation has found creativity in plastic bags and food boxes collected whilst nesting in our own homes during lockdown. Designed and woven by the Rosebud Centre for Girls and Natanya Mark, we invite you to weave your own solidarity square into our up-cycled nests.
Watch Natanya’s weaving tutorial here.
Nesting: Emergency Exit Arts & Stephen Stockbridge
Sunday 30 August, 1-5pm
Dial Arch Square
Join Stephen Stockbridge and EEA in weaving and reflecting on lockdown as part of this nest-like installation. Socially distanced workshops for families and friends offer space to contribute messages and weaving skills to an evolving artwork.
Faith, Love and Hope: Caribbean Social Forum
Sunday 30 August, 1-5pm
Dial Arch Square
‘A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’ Ecc 4: 11-13
The strength of compassion has shone through in this challenging time for the Caribbean Social Forum. Inspired by Gratte Ciel’s strands of togetherness, this installation has been created by the members to share their identity, skills, creativity and to have a time for reflection and relaxation.
METRO Charity & Al Hill
Sunday 30 August, 1-5pm
Dial Arch Square
Inspired by Gratte Ciel’s vision of togetherness, colourful plaits have been created by the charity’s LGBTQ+ service users and supporters. Woven together in a community installation as an expression of identity and interconnectedness.
Access
Site Access
There is level access to the performance location. Ramps will be in place and trackway provided for grassy areas.
Viewing area
A priority area for disabled audiences will be marked with a sign or flag. Space for wheelchair users, and a variety of seating options will be available. GDIF volunteers will offer directions.
Photo route
A photo route to Dial Arch Square can be downloaded here.
A photo route to Woolwich Common Estate can be downloaded here.
Contact Alex if you have any Access questions: [email protected] | 07899 893 935
Show Access
Access content will be available online via your mobile phone. Please bring a charging pack if you are concerned about battery use.
Brochure
Large-print and Easy Read versions of the festival brochure are available here.
An Audio brochure and BSL interpreted brochure is available here.
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible | Digital Access Available
What to expect: Family Friendly | Join In
BSL interpreted descriptions and Audio Descriptions of the installations can be found here.
Supported by
Weaving Together is supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Royal Greenwich Festivals, and Arts Council England.
With thanks to Woolwich Common Community Centre, Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA), Gratte Ciel and the Rosebud Centre for Girls.