Silk pennants co-created with residents for a movement-led procession for LBoC 2025.
Urban Flow is a movement-led community procession created for Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture 2025. Led by Kinetika, the programme brought together international dance partners, local groups and 100 silk pennants carried through the borough.
Through my work with Putney School of Art & Design, I supported the Mehfil group at Mushkil Aasaan — a women’s community group with many older members who rarely have access to creative opportunities of this kind. Together, we developed sketches inspired by Kinetika’s brief and prepared designs for the silk templates.
The pennants appeared at the LBoC press launch at Battersea Arts Centre, formed a vibrant “avenue of flags” at the London Boat Race in Putney, and culminated in the Urban Flow finale in Roehampton.
The Story
Urban Flow links the River Thames to Roehampton, connecting city life and green space through choreography, silk and collective movement. The initiative brought together Kinetika, Attakkalari (India), Tavaziva Dance and Wandsworth Council to co-create a public artwork in motion.
Community groups across the borough contributed to the making of the pennants. My role focused on preparing the Mushkil Aasaan group to take part — supporting them through the design process and helping them step into an unfamiliar creative environment with confidence.
Creative Process
I introduced the concept to the group and led sketching sessions inspired by nature, movement and shape. We reviewed ideas as a group and translated selected sketches onto Kinetika’s template. This gentle preparation helped build confidence before the main workshop.
We then travelled together to Putney School of Art & Design for the silk-painting day. Kinetika led the specialist process, using wax-resist and their signature dye techniques. The Mehfil group painted their pennants with focus and joy, supported by staff. For many, it was a first encounter with silk, colour mixing and collaborative art-making.
Seeing the flags come to life was a moment of pride for the group — a visible expression of creativity that had begun in their sketchbooks.
Procession Day
The Mushkil Aasaan group did not take part in the procession due to age and access needs, but they followed the journey through photos and updates. I joined the procession myself, carrying flags at the Boat Race, the LBoC press launch and the Roehampton finale.
Watching the pennants we had helped create move through public space — held high, catching the wind — was a powerful end to the project.
My Role
I worked with the Mehfil group at Mushkil Aasaan through my role at Putney School of Art & Design. I introduced the creative brief, supported sketch development, guided the group through designing their pennants and accompanied them to the silk-painting workshop.
I also took part in key public moments of Urban Flow, carrying pennants at the press launch, the Boat Race and the Roehampton finale. My role centred on supporting my group, building confidence and helping them feel part of a borough-wide celebration.
Community Impact
- 50+ pennants co-created in community workshops.
- First-time makers explored silk techniques in a supportive setting.
- The project connected community groups who rarely meet.
“
I never imagined that I could do something like this [flag]’.
“
~ Workshop Participant
Partners & Credits
- Lead Organisation: Kinetika
- Commissioning Body: Putney School of Art and Design
- Workshop Host Sites: Mushkil Aasaan (Tooting); Putney School of Art & Design
- Community Artist (Mushkil Aasaan group): Roopa Basu
- Participants: Residents across Wandsworth
- Key Appearances: LBoC Press Launch (Battersea Arts Centre); London Boat Race (Putney); Urban Flow Roehampton finale