Saturday August 29
2pm – 4pm
Neuk Collective’s studio space (Edinburgh City Centre – address will be sent to participants via email)
Free
Note: This workshop is being run independently of Neuk by a collective member. Neuk is providing in-kind support.
Take part in a relaxed research workshop exploring textiles, sound, movement and Scottish cultural heritage.
This workshop is led by Rachel Nelson, a Master’s student at Keio University, and a member of Neuk Collective. Rachel is researching new ways for people to experience cultural heritage through touch, textiles and storytelling.
The research uses Scottish Gaelic waulking songs as a case study. Waulking was traditionally carried out by groups of women who worked together to finish newly woven cloth while singing. It brought together textiles, rhythm, movement, craft and social connection.
Today, people are more likely to encounter waulking songs through recordings or written descriptions. Rachel is exploring how an interactive textile experience could communicate more of the physical, creative and communal aspects of the tradition
What will happen during the workshop?
During the workshop, you will be invited to:
- explore different woven textiles;
- listen to examples of waulking songs;
- look at some early design ideas;
- discuss how touch, movement, sound and materials can help communicate cultural stories; and
- share your thoughts through a short questionnaire.
You may also be invited to take part in a short interview, but this is optional.
The workshop will last approximately 60–90 minutes. It will be informal and discussion-based.
You do not need any previous knowledge of weaving, Scottish Gaelic culture or museums. Rachel would like to hear from people with a wide range of interests, experiences and perspectives.
Your feedback will help to shape an interactive textile prototype that Rachel will develop later as part of her Master’s research.
Who is the workshop for?
The workshop may be of particular interest to people interested in:
- textiles and craft;
- museums and cultural heritage;
- music, sound or storytelling;
- interactive or sensory design; or
- taking part in creative research.
Neurodivergent and disabled participants are welcome.
You do not need to be a member of Neuk Collective to attend.
About the research
This workshop is part of Rachel’s Master’s research at Keio University.
Taking part is entirely voluntary. You can choose not to answer a question, stop taking part or withdraw from the research without giving a reason.
The session may include:
- audio recording;
- video recording; and
- photography.
Audio and video recordings will be used by Rachel to support her analysis and written research. Information taken from these recordings will be anonymised.
Some photographs may be included in Rachel’s thesis. You can ask not to be photographed or ask for your face to be blurred. Rachel will explain the recording and consent arrangements before the workshop begins.
You can also ask for your research data to be deleted after the workshop. Rachel will remove the relevant data as soon as possible following a request. All research data will be deleted from the servers on which it is stored within five years.
Further information about the research and how your data will be used will be provided before you agree to participate.
Access
The studio space has step-free access and an accessible toilet. There is a quiet space to take breaks, and refreshments will be provided.
Please tell us about any access requirements when you book. You can also contact neuk@doorinthewall.co.uk before the workshop to discuss access.
Booking
Participation is free, but advance booking is required. Booking a place does not commit you to taking part in the research. Rachel will provide further information and ask for your consent before the workshop begins.
About the organisers
This is an independent research workshop led by Rachel Nelson, a Master’s student at Keio University.
Neuk Collective is supporting the workshop in kind by providing the venue and staff support. The research is not being carried out by Neuk Collective, and Neuk Collective will not receive or have access to participants’ research data.
If you have any questions about the workshop or the research, please email Rachel at rachel.nelson@keio.jp