What is Roses of Ties?
The Roses of Ties Method is a participatory art methodology that transforms neckties into roses while transforming memories into dialogue. Developed since 2022, it has been implemented internationally by museums, universities, municipalities, refugee organisations, artists, and community groups as a tool for well-being, peacebuilding, social cohesion, gender equality, and cultural participation.
The Roses of Ties Method emerged from Ludmila Christeseva’s artistic research into gender inequality and the underrepresentation of women’s voices in art, culture, and public life. The necktie – traditionally a symbol of male authority, professional identity, and power – is transformed into a rose through women’s creativity and craftsmanship. This symbolic act shifts the narrative from hierarchy to care, from power to participation, creating space for dialogue, collective memory, and women’s agency.
The Method
The Roses of Ties Method combines symbolic transformation, participatory art, craft, and storytelling into a shared creative process. Participants transform donated or personally meaningful neckties into wearable rose brooches, creating a space for conversations about identity, memory, belonging, hope, and peace. The method values the creative process itself. Through collective making, participants build connections, exchange experiences and possibilities.
Why it Works
- Transforms an everyday object into a symbol of care and hope.
- Requires no previous artistic experience.
- Creates a safe and inclusive space for dialogue.
- Supports well-being through creative making.
- Encourages intergenerational and intercultural exchange.
- Can be adapted to different communities and cultural contexts.
- Produces both personal keepsakes and collective artworks.
Choose how to engage
🟩 Licensed Programme
For museums, universities and organisations.
🟦 Certified Facilitator
For artists, educators and community leaders.
🟨 Open Source Community
For grassroots initiatives and independent adaptation
Who Uses the Method?
Cultural Institutions
- Museums
- Galleries
- Libraries
- Cultural heritage organisations
Education
- Universities
- Schools
- Adult education centres
Community & Public Sector
- Municipalities
- Community organisations
- Women’s organisations
- Refugee and migrant organisations
Arts & Creative Practice
- Artists
- Curators
- Craft practitioners
- Creative collectives
Well-being & Social Impact
- Healthcare and well-being programmes
- Mental health initiatives
- Peacebuilding and social cohesion projects
Companies and organisations
- Team-building
- Storytelling
- Employee well-being
- Psychological safety
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Research & Innovation
- Living Labs
- Innovation hubs
- Incubators
- Artistic research projects
- Interdisciplinary collaborations
