Talking Hands, refugees-run design lab

Talking Hands, refugees-run design lab

As the world struggles to make sense of the current pandemic, one thing seem to be certain: masks are essential to stop coronavirus from spreading across the population and Italy, like many other countries, is running short of them.

In Treviso, a city that is currently experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, a migrants-run design lab has turned to producing colourful protective masks that can be washed and reused.

PUBLICATION
Internazionale (Special Covid-19 issue)
Die Zeit

It’s a way to both offer help in times of emergency and highlight how those who have less often suffer the worst consequences in times of crisis. It’s the case of homeless people - like many migrants and asylum seekers who work for the design lab - who find themselves exposed to the virus and chased by the law in a time in which the Italian government is urging everyone to stay at home.

Through interviews and pictures, the article will present Talking Hands, the migrant-run design lab, and the protective mask project, in the largest context of the coronavirus global crisis.

THANKS
Fabrizio Urettini