Clothed with Protection Is a new Art Project by Luke Jerram meant to sensitize communities across Africa on the importance of maternity vaccination to save early born babies. The main event is taking place this Friday at National Theater.
Luke Jerram is working with IGC Fashion to commission and curate works of 10 young and dynamic Ugandan fashion designers to create a catwalk at the National Theatre in Kampala on Friday in collaboration with Dr Chrissie Jones, funded by the IMPRINT Network
The clothing will then form a touring exhibition in the UK. Just as clothing protects us from the outside world, whether from extreme temperature, rain or abrasion, so vaccinations create a layer of protection from infections.
Commissioning 10 fashion designers in Kampala, Uganda we are creating an exhibition of clothing that promotes vaccination in pregnant women across Africa. We aim to spread the message that vaccination protects both mother and baby. “Vaccination clothes you and your baby with protection”.
Far too many newborns continue to die in early life, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Many die from infections that could be prevented by vaccination during pregnancy and infancy. During the later stages of pregnancy, antibodies are transferred across the placenta from mother to child. Vaccination in pregnancy boosts this natural process, providing protection to the infant in the early weeks of life.
Just as clothing protects us from the outside world, whether from extreme temperature, rain or abrasion, so vaccinations create a layer of protection from infection.
Presenting the clothing initially as part of a catwalk show and community event, in Kampala, the body of work will also form an exhibition to tour the UK. We are working with with an extraordinary array of designers for this project include IGC Fashion who are also helping to co-ordinate things on the ground in Uganda. The designers specialize in making clothing from recycled fabrics to form the most astonishing, distinctive work.
Each designer is committed to engaging with and equipping their community to bring about positive change.
The journey of the project is filmed by Cinematic Media and this film, together with the clothing and preparatory drawings, will form a touring exhibition which will be presented in museums of the UK.
