How can textiles serve as a common foundation for connecting people, countries, and cultures?

The Department of Textile Design is excited to announce a collaboration with Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda and the Cocdieu Center and African Studies Gallery in Israel. This collaboration is now taking place simultaneously in two hubs: Israel and Uganda.

In this intensive and inspiring week-long workshop, students from both countries will investigate and practice working with a local Ugandan material: barkcloth.

Barkcloth is a traditional textile originating in the Buganda kingdom in southern Uganda. Making the cloth is an ancient traditional handicraft using the bark of local trees and employing a technique that predates weaving.

With plenty of motivation to learn and create, the students work in integrated groups, spend time in lengthy Zoom meetings, and exchange videos and information in Whatsapp groups; creating a fascinating and exciting exchange of products between the two countries!

The workshops are led with dedication by Yuval Etzioni and Shira Shoval, professors in the Department of Textile Design at Shenkar, alongside professors and advisors from the Ugandan side. The workshop’s final project will be handed in on Monday.