The Fabrics of Freedom was an exciting community‑led project created as part of Future Arts Centres’ national campaign, Our Freedom: Then and Now. The initiative invited people from across Eastleigh Borough to reflect on what freedom means today, 80 years after the end of the Second World War.

As part of the project, The Point worked with community‑centred interdisciplinary artist Alisa Ruzavina, whose socially engaged practice spans textiles, public art, installation, sculpture, costume, immersive and celebratory experiences, community and participatory art. An experienced facilitator and educator, Alisa has collaborated with groups of all ages, abilities and needs.

Alisa partnered with The Point’s Creative Practitioner Dani Bond, bringing together their practices in drama and theatre, and visual arts and textiles to create inspiring creative experiences for local participants.

Workshops with Norwood Primary School and Fleming House Care Home directly shaped the look and feel of the banners Alisa created, each one expressing what freedom means to Eastleigh’s residents eighty years after VE Day.

The project culminated in a celebration parade at The Point on Saturday 15 November, where the community came together to enjoy the beautiful artworks and the ideas that inspired them.