We are thrilled to announce a new project EcoCreative Cluster: Nettle Circle (International).

With CHARTS’ Growing Global Networks Micro-Projects award, Naoko is working on a micro exchange with textile artist Deborah Gray, artist Lyndsey McDougall, and community members in Oban, Argyll and in Malin Head, Ireland. Focusing around natural dyeing and nettles, this project involves a Malin Head visit by Naoko and Deborah, embroidery sessions led by Deborah and Lyndsey, material/story exchange between Oban and Malin Head, and a series of public events both in Oban and Malin Head.

Nettle Circle (International) is intentional/network-weaving part of 2023 season of EcoCreative Cluster (ECC). ECC is a project focusing on practice and heritage of natural dyeing, initiated in 2021 by The Rockfield Centre as part of CHARTS’ Place Makers. Deborah leads dye garden developments with local volunteers, and Naoko leads network-weaving of natural dyeing practitioners. To date, through online events, we met 13 people from 11 places including Wales, Brazil, Japan, Mali, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Noongar Ballardong country, among others.

Part of Culture, Heritage & Arts Assembly, Argyll & Isles (CHARTS) Growing Global Networks Project, funded by Creative Scotland, with support from The Scottish Government, Argyll and Bute Council, and Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

The project activities are generously supported by The Rockfield Centre, Artspace Oban, Oban Library, and a network circle of community members.

Follow hashtags – #EcoCreativeCluster #NettleCircleInternational #NettleCircle – to be updated!