Crafting Circular Futures

Crafting Circular Futures

Bringing together partners from the UK and South Africa, the workshop will explore how creative practice, repair, reuse, and inclusive design can contribute to circular economies and socially designed futures. Through expert talks, roundtable discussion, and a hands-on co-design workshop, the event will examine how sustainable design, accessibility, and social innovation can inform future research, policy, and creative industry practice.

As part of the interactive workshop, participants will take part in a practical making session to create small upcycled sensory beanbags / “worry objects” using repurposed textile materials, inspired by the Clothes to Good model in South Africa, where recycled and reclaimed fabrics are transformed into sensory-friendly products that support wellbeing and inclusive design. Participants will also have the opportunity to share reflections and feedback throughout the day, helping to shape future research and toolkit development in this area.

The workshop will be of interest to staff, students, makers, designers, sustainability-focused practitioners, and anyone interested in upcycling, crafting, circular fashion, creative reuse, inclusive design, community enterprise, and sustainable living. The workshop forms part of GCU’s British Academy-funded Crafting Circular Futures project, supporting international collaboration and the development of innovative circular design solutions.

Format

Morning Session: Roundtable – Crafting Circular Futures in Practice. We will hear from leading professionals in the fashion industry and key academics who will discuss their ideas on circular futures before we open the session to the floor for an open discussion.

Afternoon Session: Practical Co-Design Workshop – Making Circular Care Objects. This activity will give us the chance to redesign/make a product using preloved materials. This session is delivered in partnership with our social enterprise partner in South Africa, Clothes to Good, who specialise in developing innovative strategies to reduce fashion waste.

Lunch is provided for all participants

Location

W201, Annie Lennox Building, Glasgow Caledonian University

This project is funded by the British Academy’s Pump Priming Collaboration between UK and EU Partners 2026