Art Club: crafting our culture

What stories do objects and materials tell about ourselves and our history? And how does engaging with traditional crafts help foster community and preserve cultural heritage?

Explore the relationship between craft, culture and wellbeing with British Academy-funded researchers Dr Zena Kamash, Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper and Dr Anne Ferrey, whose research 'Crafting Heritage for Wellbeing in Iraq’ shows how crafting can help us connect with our heritage, whilst improving mental health. They'll discuss how textiles and objects hold stories from the past, and how engaging with craft practices can help bring comfort, joy and connection.

After the talk, take part in a hands-on felting workshop, where you can enjoy creating something that connects you with your own story. Draw inspiration from the rich art, architecture and traditional crafts of Iraq, or bring an object of your own that inspires you. Whether you're new to crafting or experienced, this workshop is open to everyone.

Speakers

Dr Zena Kamash

Dr Zena Kamash FSA is a British-Iraqi archaeologist, heritage practitioner, and writer. In her academic career at the University of Oxford and Royal Holloway, University of London, she has written extensively on the archaeology and heritage of the Middle East. She recently led a successful British Academy-funded project exploring the nexus of crafting, heritage and well-being for survivors of conflict in Iraq, titled ‘Crafting Heritage for Wellbeing in Iraq’. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, Deputy Editor of the European Journal of Archaeology, and author of 'Heritage and Healing in Syria and Iraq' (Manchester University Press, 2024).

Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper

Dr Emma Palmer-Cooper is a research psychologist and lecturer, specialising in mental health, wellbeing, and positive psychology. One area of interest is the role of mindful and creative activities as a tool to support wellbeing and mental health, such as colouring, knitting and culturally relevant handicrafts.

Dr Anne Ferrey

Dr Anne Ferrey is a Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford with a focus on healthcare innovation, particularly around the use of novel and/or creative methods to improve health and wellbeing. She is the Course Director for the MSc in Translational Health Sciences.

Chair

Laura Moseley

Laura Moseley is the Assistant Curator of the Women’s Art Collection and the Founder of Common Threads Press, a small, independent publisher of books and zines that uplift histories of creative work. She has a BA and MA in History of Art, specialising in historical and contemporary craft practices, and has worked with arts and cultural organisations including the Association for Art History, the Royal School of Needlework and Norwich Castle Museum on projects related to art and craft history and its intersections with community and activism. Currently based in Cambridge, Laura gives talks and works on projects around visual art and craft with a particular interest in textiles and/or queer identity.

Image: A workshop by Crafting Heritage for Wellbeing in Iraq Project