Radical Banner Making for Radical Youth with Jaz Grady

Description

Radical Banner Making for Radical Youth is a free, creative workshop series for queer young people (ages 16–24), hosted at Birnam Arts this June. Together, we’ll explore activism through the art of banner-making—crafting protest quilts, flags, and statements that reflect what matters most to us. Whether you join for one session or all three, you'll be part of building a new queer community in rural Perthshire, discovering Birnam Arts as a safe(r) space for expression, solidarity, and creativity.

Using recycled and new materials, we’ll cut, sew, glue, and iron together our thoughts and messages—celebrating queer resilience, visibility, and power. The project includes a final Sharing Celebration and a photographic zine to give legacy to the work we create together.

No experience is needed, just bring your voice, your energy, and your radical spirit.


Blow-by-blow:

Session 1
Friday 13th June 2025, 5:00–7:30pm
Visual Arts Studio, Birnam Arts
In conjunction with the opening of Jack Ravi’s “Reclaiming Shadows” exhibition

• Meet and mingle with fellow participants
• Introduction to protest textiles and activist craft
• Start developing personal or collaborative banner ideas
• Hands-on making: sketching slogans, selecting fabrics, and beginning small- or large-scale pieces
• Break midway on to attend the exhibition opening together as a group

Session 2
Saturday 21st June 2025, 1:00pm–3:00pm
Visual Arts Studio, Birnam Arts

• Continue working on ongoing pieces or start something new
• Learn techniques like applique, patchwork, fabric stencilling, and simple stitching
• Chat, create, and connect in a relaxed, inclusive space
• Opportunity to collaborate or receive support if only attending one session

Session 3
Saturday 28th June 2025, 10:30am–12:30pm
Visual Arts Studio, Birnam Arts
Precedes Jack Ravi’s “Memory Medals” workshop (1:30–3:30pm)

• Finishing touches to banners, quilts, or flags - add more glitter!
• Discuss what it means to make visible queer voices in public and rural spaces
• Optional street walk / photoshoot for those not attending the next session

Sharing Celebration
Saturday 5th July 2025, 2:00–3:00pm
Birnam Arts (following Jack Ravi’s Artist Talk)

• Public celebration and pop-up exhibition of participants’ work
• Launch of the collaborative zine
• A chance to share, reflect, and honour the work made
• Open invitation to the wider community to celebrate queer creativity and connection
• And snacks!

About

Jaz Grady is a multidisciplinary artist and illustrator from the Clarence Valley, NSW, Australia, now residing in Perthshire, Scotland. Her practice spans illustration, photography, design, videography, and murals, characterised by a bold, playful aesthetic that invites community participation. Jaz is the founder of Average Gallery, a creative collective and community space that hosts workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative projects aimed at making art accessible to all.

Passionate about youth engagement, Jaz develops participatory projects and visual arts workshops that utilise both traditional and non-traditional mediums, encouraging young people to find their voice through creative expression. Her work often explores themes of identity, belonging, and social connection, reflecting her commitment to fostering inclusive and expressive environments for marginalised groups, with a particular focus on creating inclusive, affirming spaces for queer youth.