Artist Talk: Shelley Jarrett and the Cultural Language of African Fabrics

Drawing on decades of work across social advocacy, documentary filmmaking, and cultural leadership, Jarrett will explore the meaning, origins, and contemporary use of African fabrics. This presentation will address how textiles, like Kente, are widely worn yet often disconnected from their historical and cultural significance.

Named one of 100 Accomplished Black Canadian Women (2022), Jarrett brings more than 30 years of experience supporting women and communities through social work, media, and creative industries. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and building platforms that amplify underrepresented voices.

Jarrett is the producer and director of two acclaimed documentaries. Her debut film, W’AT ABOWT US (2019), features eight women from five major cultural backgrounds sharing personal stories of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and workplace harassment. The film has received numerous awards and continues to be used as a tool for dialogue and awareness. In 2023, she released WHAT WE DESERVE: Restorative Justice and Reparation, which premiered at the Burlington Public Library and further expanded her focus on justice-centered storytelling.

In addition to her film work, Jarrett has been featured across print and broadcast media, including CHCH TV and Breakfast Television, and has served in leadership roles such as Past Board Member of the Art Gallery of Mississauga and Advisory Board Member of the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment. In 2025, she launched the inaugural Milton Fashion Week, a two-day celebration highlighting creativity, diversity, and inclusive cultural production.