The Mending Project

Lee Mingwei’s The Mending Project invites visitors to bring a garment in need of repair. A volunteer mender will repair the item while engaging in conversation with its owner. The goal is not to restore the item to its original condition, but to share in the gift of conversation with a total stranger.

The Mending Project is part of the ICA’s inaugural exhibition Declaration, on view through September 9, 2018. The installation is located in the True Farr Luck Gallery.

Volunteer menders are present on the following days and times:
Wed // 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm, 6–8 pm
Tue & Thu–Sun // 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm

Call for Garments

Interested being a participant during your visit to the ICA? Bring a textile item to the mender seated at the installation, located in the True Farr Luck Gallery on the ICA’s third floor, any time the ICA is open aside from 1–2 pm.

Visitors may take repaired garments with them on the day of their visit, or may leave the item to be added to the exhibition. Participants may retrieve their item upon closure of the exhibition.

Call for Menders

You will be required to act as a host, engaging in conversation with visitors while mending the items they bring. No special skills or qualifications in sewing are required. As long as you enjoy talking with people, you are welcome to apply.

Volunteer menders will be provided with a complimentary meal from ICA’s Ellwood’s Cafe for each shift worked. Shifts are available the following times through September 9, 2018:

Wed // 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm, 6–8 pm
Thu–Sun // 10 am–1 pm, 2–5 pm.

Interested?

Menders can sign up for shifts after attending a training session. Contact VCUICAVolunteers@gmail.com by June 15, 2018. Please include your full name, contact information, and which of the following training sessions you want to attend.

Monday, June 18, 6–7 pm
Wednesday, June 27, 1–2 pm

Preference will be given to applicants who can work regularly or multiple times.