Background Image

Textile Workshop

What

Artists at the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre in Wujal Wujal collaborated with Cairns based textile artist, Lynelle Flinders to develop a new collection of silk kaftans.

Working with Lynelle, artists used new textile printing techniques over a series of workshops to create a number of new designs. 

Inspiration for colours and designs were taken from the local surrounding landscape – rainforests, waterfall, mountains, rivers and the reef.

Textiles were used to make a collection of kaftans which were showcased at fashion shows in Melbourne, Adelaide and Cairns.

When

November 2015 to June 2016

Where

Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre

The Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre is located on the banks of the Bloomfield River in the Wujal Wujal community. The artists from Wujal Wujal represent three traditional clan groups, the Yalanji, Nyungkul and Jalunji people.

Key stats

  • 20 participants
  • 100 textiles created - eight piece silk collections

Investment

$7000 – Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Wujal Wujal Shire Council.

 

 

Outcomes

  • Artists have developed new skills and confidence in textile design.
  • Artists attended the fashion shows at Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF), further building their skills and knowledge of the industry. Two young artists, Keryl Tayley and Carmel Haines, also had the opportunity to attend the Melbourne fashion parade.
  • Eight young community members modelled the kaftans at Wujal Wujal Falls for a photoshoot. These images are featured in advertising pamphlets and the centre’s website to promote the works of the Bana Yirriji Art and Cultural Centre.
  • The collection was showcased to audiences at Melbourne Fashion Festival 2016 – Burrimbi Dulgu Bagal; CIAF Fashion Performance 2016 – Jara Jara – Respect; and Adelaide – Spirit Festival Performance 2016 – Nurlanthi.
  • There has been considerable interest in the textiles. The workshops have helped enhance sales for the art centre's gallery. Kaftans were sold at CIAF 2016 and through the art centre’s gallery shop.

Learnings and reflections

Arts centre staff had the following tips for others undertaking a similar project:

Be creative and express yourself through colour and design.

Collaborate with like-minded artists, this will help you inspire each other.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different mediums.

Keep practising, as an artist there is always something new to learn.

Most of all, HAVE FUN.

Contact for further information

Vikki Burrows

Email: art@wujalwujalcouncil.qld.gov.au

Website: http://wujalwujalartcentre.com.au/