Looking to cultivate a creative community of learners? Well, look no further! In collaboration with the Kingston Frontenac Public Library, Cultivate Art Commons is co-hosting the Learning for Liberation Book Club.

For this Learning for Liberation session, we're inviting folks to join us for an evening of discussion surrounding themes of family, belonging, exile, return, and patience (sabir) whilst learning the art of Palestinian tahriri (couching stitch). What does the cactus pear (in Arabic also sabir) symbolize within the text and how does it reflect our times today?

This program exists to create a welcoming space for collective learning and art-making, critical conversation, and community connection through books that explore liberation, history, justice, creativity, and social change. Together, participants will engage with diverse voices and ideas, reflect on lived experiences, and imagine more caring, equitable futures.

On the first Tuesday of each month, folks will come together to discuss the book at hand, whilst participating in a hands-on art activity.

10 copies of each book will be available through the Kingston Frontenac Public Library. All art activity materials are provided. 

This program is generously funded by the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area.

ABOUT BARAA ABUZAYED

Baraa Abuzayed is a Palestinian Ph.D. student in Cultural Studies, and her current research focuses on themes of social reproduction, home, family, fragmentation, and survival. Through her research-creation practice, Baraa incorporates mixed media installation using textiles and film. Her work often involves incorporating traditional Palestinian embroidery techniques and patterns by blending different mediums.