A new public artwork , the Solidarity Tablecloth, developed by award-winning arts & food organisation Squash Liverpool, is being shared for the first time this week. The artwork was commissioned by Culture Liverpool as part of the EuroStreet community programme for Eurovision. This collaborative artwork will be revealed on Friday August 4 from 12-2pm at Squash.
The Solidarity Tablecloth is a legacy artwork, imagined and designed during Squash’s Solidarity Disco Banquets project; a joyful community expression of unity, standing in solidarity with Ukrainian people. The work was led by artist Tabitha Moses with contributions from many people across Liverpool including Ukrainian people. Participants joined us at workshops and banquets across the city and explored personal experiences and symbols of solidarity, unity and support, whilst cooking and eating together. These ideas and artworks have shaped this collaborative embroidery artwork; a beautiful tablecloth, with messages and images of solidarity, connection and love stitched into it.
People took part at the Old Library at Lister Steps in Old Swan, Liverpool Lighthouse in Everton, the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain in Fairfield, the Big Help in Kensington and at Squash in Toxteth.
The tablecloth will be on display in the Squash Front Room with embroiderers adding the final threads and stitches to complete the work. There are plans to tour the tablecloth for a series of communal meals & discussions on solidarity.
This special moment also coincides with our celebration of Lammas/Lughnasadh harvest festival at Squash & the Grapes Community Food Garden. This Gaelic fire festival marks the start of the harvest as we turn from summer to autumn. We will be marking the first grain harvest by baking and breaking bread together.
Squash’s artistic director Clare Owens said:
“We’ve loved working on the legacy solidarity tablecloth this summer; an enduring demonstration of the welcome and support that Liverpudulians have shown Ukrainians arriving to the region, whilst also sharing a universal message of solidarity. Beautifully stitched and sewn by many contributors, the tablecloth is an illustration of people working together and standing side by side with those facing oppression.”
Find out more about the Solidarity Tablecloth journey and Lammas/Lughnasadh celebrations via www.squashliverpool.co.uk
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