Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.
mage – Fashion Parade at Art on Bundjalung Market, Kyogle 2022 (pictured – Ruby Hill). Photograph by Kate Holmes. Graphic Design by Kylie Caldwell.
Wandjaarii Maalii
Wandjaarii Maalii is a pilot textile and design industry development project for emerging/mid-career artists creating on Bundjalung Country.
This new project is aimed at increasing access and involvement of First Nation artists in exploring textile and fashion design within the Northern Rivers region. Applications are open to First Nations artists living in Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr (Grafton only) Country.
The Wandjaarii Maalii : Mentorship Program aims to provide an opportunity for three creatives interested in textiles and fashion design to be mentored and supported in creating artworks transferred onto fabrics. The program will run over a 4–6-month period, giving successful artists the opportunity to explore fabric design and printing options, sample and produce a niche apparel item, and learn about fabrics, design, sustainability, and the fashion industry through a series of four professional development workshops.
Wandjaarii Maalii : Mentorship Program offers two components:
A series of four textile and fashion professional development sessions; the workshops will focus on textile sustainability, textile design, textile production and textile and fashion industry.
The mentorship opportunities will support up to three Aboriginal artists exploring textile & fashion design. Each selected artist will participate in a supported self-led tailored textile design program with Indigenous Arts Officer, Kylie Caldwell.
WANDJAARII MAALII : WORKSHOP SERIES
The workshops will provide experience and firsthand knowledge to artists seeking insight and introduction to the textile and fashion industry.
A series of four textile professional development sessions on offer, focusing on textile sustainability, textile design, textile production and textile and fashion industry.
Join us for a special workshop with Wiradjuri, Gangulu, Yorta Yorta multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston. Lillardia will share the cultural values and inspirations that motivate her innovative textile and fashion label. With the assistance of an experienced artist, textile, and fashion designer, you will gain insight into the principles that shape creative practice and cultural business framework.
Lillardia is based in Narrungdera/Narrandera, Wiradjuri Country. She produces all her textile works and garments herself in the country, adapting traditional Southeast Aboriginal cultural practices like carving, bush dying and weaving into her work. Preferring slow, respectful production to ensure her cultural integrity and sustainable values are upheld and at the forefront of her work.
The Wandjaarii Maalii Workshop Series is open to all interested First Nations participants (living in Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr (Grafton only) Country) upon registration.
**COMPLETED** Workshop 1: Introduction to Sustainable Fibres, Fabrics and Fabrications
In this workshop, students are introduced to the properties of sustainable fibres, fabrics and fabrication used in fashion and clothing. Our students develop a basic understanding on the performance of specific fibres and fabrics with the help of material and sample garments, while discovering the environmental impact of selecting certain types of resources.
**COMPLETED** Workshop 2: Introduction to First Nation Fashion & Textile Design
With Michelle Maynard Manager, Indigenous Fashion Projects. In this workshop, students are given an introduction to the First Nation Fashion industry. Participants will be introduced to leaders in the industry, the designers, and platforms & opportunities.
**COMPLETED** Workshop 3: SPELL | Textile Design, Collabs and Commercialising
In this workshop, students are given an overview of the design process for a global fashion brand from initial sketch to a finalised garment from the Spell team. This includes the design stage, print design and application, technical design, international suppliers through to production and manufacturing.
Made possible by Creative Australia
Expressions of interest are now closed.
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
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Resources from the above sessions will be listed here when available.
Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.
Arts Northern Rivers respectfully acknowledges Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr and Githabul Country, the lands we work and create on. We appreciate the unique and vibrant array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders artists and cultural practitioners from here and living here. We strive to strengthen self-determination, promote presence, and support cultural continuation.
