Protest Banner Lending Library

The Protest Banner Lending Library is a project started by Chicago artist Aram Han Sifuentes. The PEI edition is run by artist Kirstie McCallum, with support from Aram. McCallum will host creative sessions on February 5 and 11 from 6–8 pm at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre Maker Space, where participants can make up-cycled cloth protest banners.

Grassroots democracy matters more than ever, and these sessions offer space for people to connect, share what’s on their minds, and use colourful fabrics to express their voices. Participants will design banners that imagine a better world. No sewing experience is required, and the sessions are free to attend. Materials and snacks will be provided. The banners are made to be used, returned to the library, and then borrowed again by others. They carry the histories of the hands that made and held them, and the places they have traveled and will travel. The banners serve as tools for expressing solidarity in moments when democratic rights are exercised through peaceful public demonstration. This series of workshops has a special focus on democratic community-building and environmental justice. Banner slogans will be discussed at the beginning of each session, and participants will vote to select each evening’s main project.

The activity is open to adults and youth. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bus fare and childcare coordination are available upon request. Pre-registration by emailing studiozeugma@gmail.com.