Wandjaarii Maalii

Wandjaarii Maalii was a pilot textile and design industry development project for emerging and mid-career artists creating on Bundjalung Country. The project ran over 2023–2024 and aimed to increase access and engagement for First Nations artists in exploring textile and fashion design within the Northern Rivers region. Applications were open to First Nations artists living in Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr (Grafton only) Country.  

The Wandjaarii Maalii: Mentorship Program aimed 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 ran 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 offered two components:

• A series of four textile and fashion professional development sessions; the workshops focused on textile sustainability, textile design, textile production and textile and fashion industry.
• The mentorship opportunities supported up to three Aboriginal artists exploring textile & fashion design. Each selected artist participated in a supported self-led tailored textile design program with Indigenous Arts Officer, Kylie Caldwell.

WANDJAARII MAALII: WORKSHOP SERIES

The workshops provided experience and firsthand knowledge to artists seeking insight and introduction to the textile and fashion industry.

A series of four textile professional development sessions were offered, focusing on textile sustainability, textile design, textile production and textile and fashion industry.

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The Wandjaarii Maalii Workshop Series was open to all interested First Nations participants (living in Bundjalung, Githabul, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr (Grafton only) Country) upon registration.

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**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.

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**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.

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**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.

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**COMPLETED** Workshop 4: Lillardia Briggs Houston | Fashion Design

This workshop with Wiradjuri, Gangulu, Yorta Yorta multidisciplinary artist and fashion designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston offered participants a unique opportunity to explore the cultural values and inspirations behind her innovative textile and fashion label. Lillardia shared her insights into the principles that shape creative practice and cultural business frameworks.

Based in Narrungdera/Narrandera, Wiradjuri Country, Lillardia produces all her textile works and garments herself, adapting traditional Southeast Aboriginal cultural practices like carving, bush dyeing, and weaving. Her commitment to slow, respectful production ensures her cultural integrity and sustainable values remain at the forefront of her work.

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