MEMORIES OF AFRICA: CROSSING CULTURES THROUGH TEXTILE COLLABORATION

Once upon a time in Ewe villages women would save a small piece of each cloth that they bought and add it to a patchwork. This was a record of how much cloth they have been able to afford and for those with a lot of pieces it was a very public status symbol and sign of wealth.

There was no need to make these patchworks into quilts in the humidity of Ghana, but the brothers and sisters of these African women who were taken to the Diaspora had memories of cloth pieces and all the other symbols of their lives.

The similarities between some African customs and those of the African American quilters are numerous and so interesting that CROSS CULTURAL COLLABORATIVE, INC. is offering a workshop to connect artists from the Diaspora to artisans in Ghana to explore what happens when cultures re-connect.

Participants will be introduced to tie and dye - Adinkra stamping - Kente weaving and other African crafts that surfaced in the American quilts.

Workshops and accommodations are at Aba House which is a cultural center located next to the ocean in a suburb of Accra. Rooms are double occupancy with attached private baths…local cook in residence and many opportunities to interact with Ghanaian neighbors.

ITINERARY

Aug. 8 arrival and escort to Aba House
Aug. 9 orientation and tour of Nungua
Aug.10 tie and dye
Aug.11 batik
Aug.12 visit cloth sellers at Makola market
Aug.13 free day to work on own
Aug.14 performance by Asafo company "dancing the flags"
Aug.15-16 adinkra workshop
Aug.17 tour National Museum
Aug.18-19 visit Ewe weavers in the Volta Region
Aug.20 day in Accra
Aug.21 visit artists and galleries
Aug.22 depart

for more detailed itinerary contact textiles@culturalcollaborative.org

WORKSHOP COST: $1950.00 (excluding airfare) -- we can help purchase airline tickets

Includes: room and board (double occupancy) + materials + airport pickup

TO SIGN UP

To register and reserve a space please send a $1,000.00 deposit by May 31 to:
Cross Cultural Collaborative, Inc.
45 Auburn Street
Brookline, MA 02446
USA

With deposit please include:

* your name as it appears on your passport
* a CV to share with other participants
* a photo so we can find you at the airport in Accra

After receiving deposit we will send information about:

* things to bring
* how to get a visa
* health issues
* what to wear, etc.

Balance of payment is due on or before July 1

We look forward to meeting you in Ghana!

Email questions to: aba@culturalcollaborative.org

Tel. 617-277-0482