Connecting Threads is a collaborative partnership between community artists Becky Waite and Emily Hayes. 

In 2012 Emily and Becky came together to develop a printmaking and embroidery project, engaging people affected by homelessness in Manchester, with funding from Arts Council England. 

During 2014 Connecting Threads launched Matchbox City, an ambitious a participatory arts project using sculpture, animation and storytelling to explore ideas about the current housing crisis and notions of home. Matchbox City engaged people affected by homelessness from across the North West. 

Working with organisations who support people affected by homelessness such as The Booth Centre and Crisis Skylight Merseyside, a series of workshops were held which used creativity as a tool for expression. In building Matchbox City participants voiced their stories and shared their experiences. Participants shared their work with the public in a series of indoor and outdoor installations across the North West during summer 2014.  

Visit the Matchbox City blog to find out more.