Caring Craftivists
Caring Craftivists
Podcast Description
Can craft tell the untold stories of carers?
Welcome to Caring Craftivists the podcast where craftivism and caring intertwine to create powerful stories of resilience, advocacy, and hope. Hosted by Vanessa, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Brighton, and Katy, an unpaid carer and founder of the We Care Campaign, this podcast stitches together carers' experiences who use craft as a tool for change. In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.
Each episode uncovers the stories behind the stitches, introducing you to carers who have transformed simple dusters into works of activism, amplifying their voices and making their invisible labour visible. From powerful messages displayed in the Senedd to personal tales of strength and struggle, we explore how creativity can spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and inspire
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a wide range of themes related to caregiving, including emotional labor, resilience, advocacy, and the intersection of art and care. Key episodes explore topics such as the personal journeys of unpaid carers, the artistic process behind craftivism, and the push for systemic change through storytelling. Examples include episodes focused on kinship caring, the complexities of healthcare navigation, and the visibility of unpaid labor in societal discourse.

Can craft tell the untold stories of carers?
Welcome to Caring Craftivists the podcast where craftivism and caring intertwine to create powerful stories of resilience, advocacy, and hope. Hosted by Vanessa, a researcher and lecturer at the University of Brighton, and Katy, an unpaid carer and founder of the We Care Campaign, this podcast stitches together carers’ experiences who use craft as a tool for change. In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.
Each episode uncovers the stories behind the stitches, introducing you to carers who have transformed simple dusters into works of activism, amplifying their voices and making their invisible labour visible. From powerful messages displayed in the Senedd to personal tales of strength and struggle, we explore how creativity can spark conversations, challenge perceptions, and inspire
In 2023, we invited unpaid carers from across Wales to embroider their experiences of caring onto a
yellow duster. These dusters were presented to MPs at the Welsh Parliament, calling for improved
rights. Caring Craftivists is our shared story.
In this episode of Caring Craftivists, we welcome Cas Holmes, an accomplished artist and author,
who shares her unique perspective on the intersection of art and caring.
We delve into the creative process behind her latest work, which repurposes an old duster,
symbolising resilience and the intricate nature of care.
Cas discusses how her artistic practice has evolved in tandem with her role as an unpaid carer for
her partner, Derek, a stroke survivor.
Through her stitching, she explores themes of memory, legacy, and the often-unseen emotional
labour of carers.
We also reflect on the importance of community and the quiet rebellion inherent in craftivism,
highlighting how art can serve as a powerful voice for those navigating the complexities of care.
Cas's insights reveal the profound connections between domesticity, identity, and the creative spirit.
To view Cas’s duster go to: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk/craftivism/ and
https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com/partnerships/
To learn more about Cas and her work, visit her website here: https://casholmes.uk
For inquiries, please email us at: [email protected] or [email protected]
To discover the Domestic Dusters Project, check out: https://domesticdusters.wordpress.com
For more information on the We Care Campaign, visit us at: https://wecarecampaign.org.uk

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