This term, women at Dolphin Women’s Centre in Washwood Heath have been getting creative with Rukhsana Sardar, the artist leading Create & Change this autumn.
Rukhsana transforms unwanted clothing and textiles into something new, encouraging people to rethink what we throw away and discover the possibilities in materials that might otherwise go to waste. From colourful fabrics to handmade decorations, her approach is all about trying something different and finding new uses for everyday materials. Having spent many years working internationally in the fast-fashion industry, with a career that took her from Amsterdam to Bangladesh, in 2023, Rukhsana decided to leave the industry to establish her own sustainable upcycling fashion business.
Rukhsana rescues unwanted clothing and fabrics, turning them into unique fashion pieces, practical products and textile artworks. Her work includes handmade shopper bags, jackets created from pre-loved scarves and shawls and reworked shirts that give discarded garments a completely new identity. Alongside making and selling her creations, Rukhsana runs creative upcycling workshops, sharing her skills and encouraging others to see the potential in materials they might otherwise overlook.
This autumn, Rukhsana is bringing that spirit of experimentation to Create & Change, giving participants the opportunity to explore different materials. Create & Change began in Ward End, Birmingham, in 2018 and over 600 participants have now enjoyed the benefits of this arts and wellbeing project. Each term, we work with a different artist, introducing participants to new ideas, techniques and ways of working. Previous artists have included lens-based and craft artist Nilupa Yasmin, photographer and heritage artist Tarla Patel, and costume and textile artist Abeda Begum. Create & Change now welcomes around 20 women, with an average of 16 attending each week. The project continues to grow, with a waiting list for places and activities shaped around participants’ interests and needs.
By bringing artists like Rukhsana into the programme, we can offer fresh creative experiences while supporting artists to develop their community-based practice. Most importantly, the sessions create space for women to connect and enjoy the benefits of creativity together.
We’re looking forward to seeing what participants make with Rukhsana this term.
