A new community art project is inviting Bay of Plenty residents to turn old T-shirts into something useful – while weaving new connections along the way.

The Community Loom Project, created by Envirohub Bay of Plenty Sustainable Textiles programme manager Te Ara Dirkse, will make its debut at this year’s Climate Canvas Art exhibition in Tauranga.

The large, custom-built wooden loom will invite visitors to weave strips of repurposed T-shirts into a growing piece of artwork that will become a functional rug.

People can take part for as little as five minutes or spend an hour weaving, with each effort contributing to the finished piece.

The Community Loom, created by Envirohub Bay of Plenty Sustainable Textiles programme manager Te Ara Dirkse, will make its debut at the Climate Canvas Art exhibition at the Cargo Shed from September 17-20. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Dirkse said she wanted to create something that gave people a simple way to take positive action.

“I wanted something people could actually get their hands on,” Dirkse said.

“We all know textile waste is a massive problem, and it feels like we can’t do much ourselves to shift the needle. This is a nice way to make something positive together and make use of a precious textile resource.”

The loom will travel to events around the region, providing an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to contribute.

Dirkse said the project was about more than keeping unwanted clothing out of landfill.

“You can see the piece grow as more people add to it, and it’s a lovely way for people to connect while they’re doing something good for the planet,” she said.

Weaving has been practised across cultures for thousands of years, to create useful items and as a form of creative expression. Community weaving can also provide a simple opportunity for people to slow down, chat and work alongside others.

For its first outing, the loom will use T-shirts as its raw material and form an interactive centrepiece of Climate Canvas, Envirohub BOP’s annual art competition and exhibition.

Envirohub Bay of Plenty Sustainable Textiles' Te Ara Dirkse says textile waste is a massive problem. Photo / Kelly O’Hara

This year’s Climate Canvas theme is Precious Resources, with the finalist exhibition open 9am-1pm daily on September 17-20 at The Cargo Shed in Tauranga. Entry is free.

The exhibition will feature 10 finalists’ artworks, with visitors able to view the works and vote for their favourite in the People’s Choice award.

The Climate Canvas Awards ceremony will be held at The Cargo Shed on September 20 from 3pm-4pm to announce competition winners.

Climate Canvas Finalist Exhibition: September 17-20, 9am-1pm daily, The Cargo Shed, Tauranga. Free entry.

Climate Canvas Awards: Sunday, September 20, 3-4pm, The Cargo Shed.