WORKSHOPS

The Mothership education program organizes its pedagogy around 5 steps of color research. In the first step, we identify the plants, in the second we forage or source the plants, in the third we extract the dyes, in the fourth, we transform the dye into various media, and in the final step, we apply the dyes to textiles and other materials.

These five steps are circular, it is a process that repeats itself. Students can intervene in a single step, or go through the entire process, as relevant to their needs and practice. Classes and workshops focused on natural dyeing and other textile techniques, sustainable planting, and land management, are organized and facilitated by the Mothership as an effort to bring awareness to the need to preserve traditional practices and encourage artists to explore these techniques and materials in their work. This educational programming is offered in different formats and taught by local and international expert artists throughout the year. Scholarships to local students will be available.

Upcoming events/workshops 2026:

January 31, Saturday, 11-16h

Printing with Natural Dyes with Soufiane Ourich

Join Soufiane Ourich, a visual artist and designer based in Casablanca, at The Mothership for a workshop exploring printing with natural dye paints. Working with plants growing in the garden, Soufiane will demo his process of extracting the natural dyes and making paints for printing. Soufiane’s interdisciplinary practice encompasses Graphic Design, Art Direction, Research, and Prints.

The workshop will delve into creating natural dyes for the screen printing process and participants will be able to create prints of their own.
We will be working in a large studio space. Please wear shoes and clothing that can get muddy as the grounds can be wet during this season.

Tea will be provided but please bring your own lunch/snack.

This workshop is free of charge with RSVP required: residencymothership@gmail.com
Limited spots available.

This workshop is part of a programming series of The Mothership Seed Collection. The Mothership Seed Collection is an ongoing project to research and implement a seed collection focused on natural dyes, and to share methodologies to collect, preserve, exchange, and propagate heirloom seeds, with support from CCA: Centre for Contemporary Art and Glasgow Seed Library. The project is part of Anhar: Culture and Climate Platform, a collaborative initiative between Art Jameel and the British Council. This programme is designed to support cultural projects that address the climate emergency in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The platform encourages innovative and creative approaches to cultural production, with a focus on local, community-based and intersectional perspectives on climate issues.

Past workshops:

April 26, Saturday, 15-18h

Madder: Revealing Hidden Drawings with Azur

April 27, Sunday, 16h

“Had Ihedra koulha”, performance by Ayla Mrabet

May 17, Saturday, 15-18h

Indigo & Shibori with Atelier Simone

For more information email info@mothershiptangier.org