Domestic Dusters: Embroidering cleaning cloths as an act of creative, political, and social resistance

This paper presents an innovative account of creativity and protest, viewed through the lens of the Domestic Dusters research project, which tactically positions a cleaning cloth as a surprising and unconventional tool for social resistance. It reflects on its tactical and political use in collaboration with the grassroots organization We Care, advocating for the rights of unpaid carers. Underpinned by autoethnographic and collaborative craft-based methodologies that entice social change, dusting cloths embroidered by carers were displayed and presented to politicians at the Welsh Parliament, calling for recognition of their important but often-hidden and undervalued roles. This work makes a distinctive contribution to the theory and practice of doing politics, engaging audiences, and making social change.