Description
The project is designed for unemployed migrant women of different generations from Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia and Serbia (living in Jesenice, Slovenia). As studies shows, the immigrant woman is at least three times marginalized person – as a woman, as a mother and as an immigrant. The aim of the project is education, cultural and social integration, physical and financial empowerment – by using textile crafts as a powerful and appropriate method/tool. The result of the project is to create a collection of “Balkan slippers”, which will become through the collaboration with Icelandic designer inspired by Icelandic cultural heritage and transformed by Icelandic market demands. The resulting collection of modern products will be presented in solo exhibition in Reykjavik. The far-reaching aim of the project is - to offer “Balkan Slippers” on the Icelandic market and – to establish a vibrant cultural exchange between Slovenia and Iceland in the field of textile design.
Summary of project results
The project was designed for unemployed migrant women of different generations from Kosovo, Bosnia, Macedonia and Serbia (living in Jesenice and Ljubljana, Slovenia). Some members of Roma community were also included in the project. The aim of the project was to provide education, cultural and social integration, as well as physical and financial empowerment of migrant women - by using textile crafts as a powerful and appropriate method/tool. Using this method they managed to overcome the fear of their husbands who needed to be convinced first to let them participate in the project. For a lot of women this was the first opportunity to leave the house and socialize with other people from the community. The results were amazing - women not only produced a collection of "Balkan slippers" - they organized themselves and started to produce different products using different textile crafts. And not only that - their cooperation stretched to providing support to migrants in the "refugee crisis" - Jesenice was one of the few cities in Slovenia where migrants were welcomed - organizing several charity events, helping their own members of community ... During the project implementation the project promoter managed to find bilateral partner in Iceland. They formed a formal partnership and signed the contract. They hold an exhibition in Reykjavik and established many new contacts in Iceland. The project, in a bit modified way, continues to live by the support of EU structural funds.
Summary of bilateral results