Threads of Belonging I – Persian Kilim Weaving 2026
Collaborators: Textile Museum
Format: Group Workshop
Location: Textile Museum
Topics: Kilim weaving
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 1-4 PM
This workshop was developed exclusively for Immigrant, Refugee, and Newcomer participants, with thanks to Toronto Arts Council Funding via their Newcomer and Refugee Arts Engagement program.
In this hands-on workshop, participants were invited to discover the art of Persian kilim weaving through motifs, symbols, color, and personal storytelling. Drawing from the rich tradition of Persian woven textiles, participants learnt the foundations of kilim weaving while creating a small, personal woven piece that they could take home.
The workshop introduced participants to the idea that traditional textiles are more than beautiful objects: they can carry memories, hopes, places, relationships, and stories across generations. Through a selection of Persian motifs and their meanings, participants explored how weavers have historically used visual language to express ideas about nature, protection, family, journey, love, and belonging. Participants were then asked: What symbol represents a place, memory, hope, or relationship that they would want to carry with them?