Australian Tapestry Workshop Residency

By Chloe Jones, Gallery Manager/Curator

Earlier this year in May, a group of our artists and staff travelled to Melbourne to take part in a creative residency workshop with the Australian Tapestry Workshop, an exciting partnership that marks the beginning of a significant new collaborative project.

Over several days, artists immersed themselves in weaving and natural dye processes, exploring how materials gathered from Country can be transformed through contemporary textile practices. Guided by the Australian Tapestry Workshop team, the residency created space for experimentation, knowledge sharing and the exchange of creative practices, with conversations grounded in Country, culture and materiality.

This collaboration is an important opportunity for our artists to expand their practices while continuing to centre Aboriginal ways of knowing and making. It reflects Kaiela Arts’ commitment to creating meaningful partnerships that support artistic development and amplify First Nations voices through new mediums.

As Yorta Yorta artist Ally Knight reflected:

“It was so fun to learn new weaving techniques and explore natural dye processes. I really enjoyed experimenting with natural dyes with Heather in the dye lab and seeing the different colours that could be achieved through natural processes. I left feeling inspired and excited to continue these techniques in my own practice. I can’t wait to see what we create together.”

This residency marks just the beginning, and we’re looking forward to sharing more about this exciting collaboration and the work our artists have been developing in the months ahead. Stay tuned and subscribe to learn more about this exciting project!

Tarli Dean Atkinson, artist and Kaiela Arts staff also shared her thoughts:

“Going down to Melbourne with Kaiela Arts staff and artists was a great experience and Australian Tapestry Workshop were very welcoming and friendly. The sessions were very informative and fun. We enjoyed learning and experimenting as well as exchanging knowledge with natural dyes. I think we all walked away inspired and excited for future art and we are looking forward to working and collaborating with Australian Tapestry Workshop in the future.”