© WOVEN 2019 | Privacy Policy | Designed by Browndog
Following the incredible success of the Red Dress in June 2025, WOVEN is thrilled to launch the West Yorkshire Calico Dress Project, part of the global Calico Garment Initiative led by Red Dress artist Kirstie Macleod.
This inspiring project invites communities to adorn a specially made Calico Dress designed by Kirstie, with their embroidered stories in the form of a patch. Each patch will speak of an individual’s cultural identity, heritage or creative journey.
It’s a chance for people of all backgrounds and skill levels to come together and share their diverse stories in a series of dresses, one for each district of West Yorkshire!
Find out more about the 5 West Yorkshire Calico Dresses across Bradford, Calderdale, Leeds, Kirklees and Wakefield below.
In Kirklees, WOVEN is partnering with Ravensthorpe Community Centre to bring the project to life. Several local groups are already on board representing Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury, Huddersfield, Slaithwaite, Batley, Skelmenthorpe, Kirkburton, Meltham, and Holme Valley.
In Wakefield the Dress is being developed by Apple Tree Community Garden and Spectrum People. Many groups and individuals are already signed up and making their patches along with a fantastic Facebook community developing alongside the project.
The Leeds Calico Dress launched at Threads Festival 2026 at Sunnybank Mills.
You can join one of our Stitch Socials to create a patch in the company of others and get peer support from the friendly team
The Bradford Dress will be supported by WOVEN and Mussarat Rahman, Director of the Intercultured Festival, Bradford District Museums & Galleries, and Yorkshire Women’s Forum.
The first information gathering event session took place on Thursday 11th June at Cartwright Hall.
Stay tuned for more upcoming dates.
In Calderdale, the dress will be supported by Everybody Arts and Bankfield Museum
The first introduction session takes place on:
The completed 5 dresses will be showcased at WOVEN Festival 2027, celebrating the rich tapestry of community voices across West Yorkshire.
For more information about each of the events please visit our What’s on Page.
Oops! We could not locate your form.
© WOVEN 2019 | Privacy Policy | Designed by Browndog