Visions of the Community Quilt was an initiative of the Derry/Londonderry based Bluebell Arts Project, facilitated by Tina Mc Laughlin, in the summer of 2008.
The process of designing and making the quilt was a vehicle for local women to discuss and define the history, vision and aspirations of their community. Vibrant colours were chosen, influenced by Tina who was inspired by seeing arpilleras exhibited in Pilots Row.
The eye in each corner represents "community vision" and the people represent friends and family as the most important component of a good community. The figures are of different genders, race and generations. Many of the patches represent the identity of the local community and hopes for the future.
A central quote on the quilt states: "A quilt should keep you safe and warm, so should a good community. We are all patches on that quilt."
This quilt is also documented in Accounts of the Conflict a digital archive of personal accounts of the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, located at the International Conflict Research Institute (INCORE), Ulster University. A total of 10 textiles from the Conflict Textiles collection are included in “Accounts of the Conflict”.
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