SAFE PASSAGE BAGS WORKSHOP

Designer: Lesvos Solidarity (Greece); Collaborator: Humade Crafts (Greece); Location: Lesbos (Lesvos in Greek), Greece; Years: 2015–present

Fleeing conflicts and persecution, record numbers of refugees have arrived on the shores of Greece’s island of Lesbos. In solidarity, local residents transformed a former summer camp into a community-run refugee camp, setting up the Safe Passage Bags workshop. Employing refugees, as well as local residents, the workshop was set up as a place where they could work and create something together while learning a new skill. Sending an important message to the world—the right to safe passage—bags of all sizes are made from recycled life jackets and dinghies no longer needed after the treacherous sea journey.

Image: Safe Passage Bags, 2015–present; Designers and makers: Matina Kontoleontos with refugees and residents, Lesvos Solidarity (Mytilene, Greece); Collaborator: Humade Crafts (Mytilene, Greece); Recycled fabric; Credit: Knut Bry