Exploring Biophilic Living Through Textiles

8th July 2026

In February 2026, Mission Gallery in Swansea hosted a creative textiles workshop led by artist Safiyyah Azraa Altaf, inviting participants to explore ideas of biophilic living through making, conversation and creativity.

Working with upcycled fabrics and a range of stitching and embellishment techniques, participants created textile pieces inspired by nature, place and community. Throughout the workshop, conversations explored what a more biophilic Swansea might look like and how creative practice can help us imagine healthier, more sustainable futures.

Using her own creative practice as inspiration, Safiyyah encouraged participants to look differently at the stories held within Swansea's landscapes, heritage and everyday environment. Drawing on nature and the city around them, participants used upcycled fabrics to create unique textile pieces that reflected their own experiences and perspectives.

Reflecting on the workshop, Safiyyah said:

"It was a zero-pressure environment where everyone was able to talk and connect about how they view Swansea, the act of creating together and the concepts of living in a biophilic-centred city. Each person brought enthusiasm and creativity, and it was wonderful to see participants use their own inspirations from the city to develop unique pieces using upcycled fabrics." 

Part of Project REPAIR's wider programme of community engagement, the workshop demonstrated how creative practice can open up conversations about the future of our cities. By bringing people together to reflect on Swansea's relationship with nature, it offered an opportunity to explore what biophilic living could mean in an urban, post-industrial context.

About the artist

To find out more about artist Safiyyah Altaf's work, visit Sprig and Star Studio, follow @sprigandstar on Instagram, or contact her at altafsafiyyah@gmail.com.