By
Bohdan Bozhenko*
Volunteer at The Devil’s Porridge Museum
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, affecting communities worldwide. To raise awareness and inspire action, National Museums Scotland has launched an initiative called Sewing Hope: Quilts for Climate Change as part of Climate Change for All. This public engagement project, funded by the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund, explores environmental sustainability through the art of quilting. The Devil’s Porridge Museum is proud to participate in this initiative, running workshops with local community groups, including Eastriggs Primary School, to craft meaningful quilts that symbolize hope in the face of the climate emergency.
The Goals of the Project
The Sewing Hope project aims to use quilting as a creative medium to foster dialogue about climate change and encourage community participation. By engaging with schools and local groups, the project seeks to:
– promote environmental awareness and sustainability.
– inspire individuals to reflect on their relationship with nature.
– provide a hands-on, artistic approach to climate education.
– encourage collaborative work within the community.
This project brings together the expertise of a scientist and an artist, merging scientific knowledge with creative expression. Their collaboration helps participants translate their concerns, hopes, and solutions regarding climate change into visual storytelling through quilt-making.
The Art of Quilting
Quilting is a centuries-old craft that involves sewing together layers of fabric to create intricate designs. Beyond being a form of artistic expression, quilting has long been used to tell stories, document history, and bring communities together. Within the Sewing Hope project, quilting becomes a tool for advocacy—each piece of fabric represents the collective vision of a more sustainable future.
Participants in the workshops could learn quilting techniques while discussing the impacts of climate change and ways to address it. The final quilts will be more than just beautiful works of art—they will serve as powerful symbols of resilience, unity, and hope.
Looking Ahead
The finished quilt will be displayed at The Devil’s Porridge Museum, offering visitors an opportunity to witness the powerful message woven into its fabric. Next year, it will also be exhibited at National Museums Scotland, reaching a broader audience and continuing to spark conversations about climate action.
Acknowledgments
We would like to extend our gratitude to National Museums Scotland and the Scottish Government’s Climate Engagement Fund for making this initiative possible. Special thanks to the participants, volunteers, and educators who contributed to the creation of these quilts.
Photo Credits
All images are credited to: ©Andy Catlin
For images of the hanging quilts from the Toolkit, credit: National Museums Scotland
*Bohdan Bozhenko is a young volunteer and a valued member of our Youth Empowerment Programme.
