“WAST are doing essential groundwork”
As a small grassroots charity WAST relies on donations from the public and grant funders. Without the generous support of our fundraisers and donors we wouldn’t be able to deliver our vital activities for women seeking asylum in Greater Manchester.
We were recently tagged in a post from Lisa Lorenz, a graphic designer and publisher based in Manchester, who was selling prints to raise money for our cause. We spoke to Lisa to find out a bit more about why she wanted to raise money for our network.
Why did you want to fundraise for WAST?
I first heard about WAST and met some of the women and their kids involved with the project at Partisan Collective in 2018. I volunteer there and back in the day did the odd tidy/clean shift that sometimes overlapped with WAST using the room for sewing sessions, dinners or other social club activities. We had the occasional friendly chat and the vibe was always so lovely. I just think the project is fantastic, essential and so empowering to all who are a part of it. I guess I just want the project to continue, so whenever I get the chance I try point people towards it and raise funds.
What is the idea behind your print?
The print I sell to raise funds for WAST was originally created in 2019 to animate people to cast their vote for the general elections. However the hand holding the flowers first appeared in a poster I designed for Partisan’s 2nd birthday at the Cheetham Hill space where WAST were based, too. I printed the poster as part of a workshop in Nottingham in November 2019 at Dizzy Ink where we explored A2 size for risograph printing. I had an edition of about 15 that had gathered dust in an old poster roll that I have recently dug up from the archive. I thought it all fits in nicely together and has come full circle - so rather than letting it gather some more dust I wanted to get it out in the world.
Can you tell us about your creative practice?
I’m a practical artist with a background in graphic and print design. I run a small publishing press in Manchester, mostly working with unpublished poets and visual artists - Team Trident Press. I also love making posters and experimenting with traditional print processes like screenprinting and letterpress. But my absolute favourite is the risograph duplicator - the process I used to print the WAST fundraiser poster. The inks are soya oil based and it’s super accessible and easy to use. Perfect for community projects and beginner artists and printers.
Why is it important that people fundraise for charities like WAST?
WAST are doing essential groundwork for people pushed towards the margins in an increasingly hostile world. It’s now more than ever important to stick together and help where we can, may that be by volunteering, campaigning, or giving a little from our cake. So we can all have it - and eat it.
If you had a wish for 2023 what would it be?
Tories out, out, out!
If you’re planning on raising money for WAST we’d love to hear from you! Drop us a line to tell us about your plans so we can help champion your efforts.
