A collaborative textile installation bringing Wandsworth together through print, pattern, and place
Shamiyana is a vibrant public art installation I conceived, funded and delivered for Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025. It was supported by a South Asian Heritage Month grant that I secured through a proposal and budget I wrote myself.
Inspired by traditional South Asian ceremonial canopies, the project explored gathering, shelter and celebration through a borough-wide programme of workshops. Elders, families, young people and first-time makers created hundreds of printed textile panels, each holding a story of memory or belonging.
Alongside the artistic work, I managed the full programme: procuring materials, booking venues, coordinating partners, and supporting fellow artists and interns. In the studio I assembled the panels into an overhead canopy that preserved the honesty of the hand — textures, smudges and the beautiful irregularities of shared making.
Debuting at Balham Library, Shamiyana became a place to stand beneath and recognise ourselves: a living artwork made with, not just for, the borough.
The Story
I wanted to honour the spirit of a shamiyana — a temporary place for celebration — while creating an open space where every resident could take part. Wandsworth is rich with diasporic histories, and the project invited people to bring those stories forward through pattern, colour and shared activity.
The workshops reflected this spirit. They were lively, welcoming and intergenerational, filled with conversation and a sense of ease. Each session became its own gathering.
Creative Process
I designed a simple and accessible process that encouraged play. Participants explored carved blocks, borders and repeats, mixing their own symbols with traditional forms. Every silk square was labelled and archived for the final composition.
In the studio, I arranged and assembled the pieces into a flowing canopy. I kept the visible marks of making — fingerprints, off-centre prints and irregular pressure — because they carried the presence of the people who made them.
The launch at Balham Library reunited makers beneath their shared sky. Poetry, photography and a small exhibition traced the project from first print to finished installation.
Exhibition & Celebration Day
The installation opened with a celebration that brought together participants, families, neighbours and supporters. Seeing the printed silks gathered under one canopy transformed the workshops into a communal artwork.
A supporting exhibition explored the history of block printing and featured poetry, photography, zines and a painting by a community member. The launch echoed the role of a traditional shamiyana — a moment of gathering filled with conversation, music and cultural pride.
My Role
I led the concept, secured the funding and managed the full delivery of the project. I procured materials, confirmed venues, coordinated workshop partners and supported fellow artists and interns. I also planned the marketing and evaluation.
Creatively, I guided the workshops and produced the final installation. My role was to hold the artistic direction while keeping every stage rooted in place, story and community.
Community Impact
- Intergenerational sessions welcomed first-time makers and experienced creatives alike.
- Participants spoke of pride in seeing their prints overhead — a clear mark of belonging.
- The exhibition day became a meeting point for neighbours, partners and families, strengthening relationships across the borough.
“
I’d never tried block printing before. Now I can spot my square and say, ‘I was part of this’.
“
~ Workshop Participant
Partners & Credits
- Project Origin & Vision: Conceived and developed by Roopa Basu
- Artistic Direction & Lead Facilitation: Roopa Basu
- Funding Secured By: Roopa Basu via South Asian Heritage Month grant
- Commissioning Body: Wandsworth Council (London Borough of Culture 2025)
- Community Partners: SW15 Women’s Network; 575 Wandsworth Road (National Trust London); Happy Homes Community; Arty Crafty Crescent Club; Balham Library
- Design Intern: Taiwo Durodola (South Thames College, Art & Design L3 Y2)
- Exhibition Collaborators:
Poetry — @huq.sheema
Photography & Zine — @piperdiphotography
Painting — Neelofor Ahmed
Photography — @serenaorano - Community Contributors: 100+ residents across Wandsworth