Kagul: Incubator for Performative Textile and Gender Research

Kagul is a creative initiative and incubator based in Sri Lanka, established by multidisciplinary artist Chathuri Nissansala. The organization serves as a hub for research into the country's Southern performative textile traditions and the intersection of gender studies within these practices. Through its various projects, Kagul aims to bridge the gap between traditional craft and contemporary social issues. One of its key projects, FE, focuses on education and awareness, creating 'pockets of artisans' as entrepreneurial hubs. These groups primarily consist of marginalized individuals, such as members of the queer community, sex workers, and women from rural areas, providing them with platforms for economic and creative agency. Another significant project, Nachchi Samayama, focuses on the documentation and mapping of the Nachchi community, specifically exploring the history of queer spaces like the Rio Cinema Complex and the De Soysa building in Colombo. Kagul's work is deeply rooted in the socio-political landscape of Sri Lanka, addressing themes of class, queerness, and nationalism. By combining artistic practice with rigorous research and community engagement, Kagul preserves cultural heritage while advocating for the rights and visibility of underrepresented groups. The initiative operates at the intersection of textile art and social activism. Through its focus on performative textiles, Kagul investigates how traditional techniques can be used to narrate contemporary struggles and identities.