Unity Through Artistry: The Discovery Embroidery Project Launches Scottish Interfaith Week

In a historic moment for interfaith cooperation in Dundee, the Discovery Embroidery was unveiled at the Dundee City Chambers, marking the launch of Scottish Interfaith Week 2024. The artwork, standing proudly between Lord Provost Bill Campbell and City Council Leader Mike Flynn, represents months of dedicated work by nearly 70 women and girls from diverse faith backgrounds.

The embroidery, conceived by Faith and Belief Dundee and Tayside (FaB Dundee) Chairperson Carrie Varjavandi, brought together participants from nine different faith and belief traditions, including the Bahá'í Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as Humanist and Agnostic perspectives. Each participant was given a small square of fabric featuring a section of a photograph of the RSS Discovery, Dundee's historic Antarctic exploration vessel.

What makes this artwork particularly distinctive is its unique approach to unity. Each contributor interpreted the theme of "Discovery" through their own spiritual and personal lens, using a variety of materials including traditional wool from Appletons and embellishments such as sequins and beads. The result is a vibrant tapestry that maintains the image of the Discovery ship while celebrating the diversity of its creators.

The final piece comprises 144 squares in total—96 forming the central image and 48 creating a border that incorporates logos of the organisations involved in Scottish Interfaith Week 2024. The artwork now stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities work together with a shared purpose.

Prior to the public unveiling, a special preview was held at the Quakers Meeting House, where over thirty of the contributing artists gathered to see their collective work for the first time. This gathering itself became a testament to the project's success in fostering interfaith dialogue, as women from different religious backgrounds came together to share their experiences and celebrate their joint achievement.

The project received support from various community partners, including Drew Cunningham Photography, Amina Muslim Women's Resource Group, and Appleton Yarns. Technical expertise was provided by Dorota at Custom Fabrics, while quilter June Jelly played a crucial role in assembling the final piece.

This collaborative artwork stands as a powerful symbol of unity in diversity, demonstrating how shared creative endeavours can bridge differences and create lasting connections within our community. The presence of Dundee's civic leaders at its unveiling further emphasises the significance of this project in promoting understanding and cooperation among all peoples in the city.