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It’s countdown time! Only 15 days til the first of the international exhibitions at the centre of IOTA21 opens at John Curtin Gallery and only 22 days til its partner at Fremantle Arts Centre opens with a grand celebration. Meanwhile, IOTA21 festival events are opening every week!

Scroll down for program highlights including the Futuring Craft conference, Curiosity & the Cloth fashion event, festival tours, talks, workshops and exhibitions.

Share this news with your friends, colleagues and family. We look forward to seeing you at an IOTA21 event soon!

FUTURING CRAFT

Early bird tickets are about to close - so don’t miss out. Read on for highlights of Day Two.

There will be in-person and live stream presentations from India, Pakistan, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, UK, Canada and Australia.

‘Futuring Craft’ addresses matters that traverse craft from design, environment, economies and fundamental human rights. Join us!

Day Two Highlights : Saturday 18 September, Curtin University

Fast fashion is a hot topic, not only in the design world but also for anyone interested in environmental sustainability. Dr Anne Farren and PHD candidate Jessica Priemus discuss how new technologies can integrate with traditional practices to bring about positive transformation of the industry.

Dr Zaid Saeed elucidates the role of craft in architecture and place-making, and the lessons learned from the golden age of architecture in Iraq from the 1950s to the late 70s.

Materiality of terracotta and wool in relation to regional economies will be central to the conversation starters of both Shouryamoy Das and Penny Smith. Valerie Shaw shares her thoughts on ‘The Power of the Recycled Object’. And a panel of contemporary jewellers convened by Belinda Newick examines how craft can interrogate complex political issues, Australian identity, and value systems.

…and there’s plenty more as several sessions run concurrently, and are augmented with talks and tours within the ‘Curiosity & Rituals of the Everyday’ exhibition at John Curtin Gallery.

• DAY 1: Friday 17 September, 8:30AM - 4:00PM, WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle

• DAY 2: Saturday 18 September. 9:00AM – 4:30PM, Curtin University, Bentley Campus

• DAY 3: Sunday 19 September, 6:30PM, WA Museum Boola Bardip, Perth

Image above: Nada Basahi, The covering of the Holy Kaaba.

CURIOSITY AND THE CLOTH

This fashion event like no other features designers from Kenya, India, Malaysia, and Thailand alongside First Nations designers from Western Australia & Northern Territory.

EPICA JEWELLERY Sharon Wendo

Epica Jewellery, hailing from Kenya, creates contemporary jewellery that embraces fun, innovative and colourful concepts. Epica pride themselves on designing and creating unique African Jewellery with a modern touch.

Epica founder, Sharon Wendo, learnt beading skills while on internship as part of being on the Kenyan Youth Empowerment project. Her designs are reflected in her brand name, they are truly Epic African. Characterised by a bold statement, Epica pieces are not something one can shy away from.

Image: Portrait of Epica Jewellery founder, Sharon Wendo

The IOTA21 Conference and Fashion Event are presented in collaboration with Curtin University's School of Design and the Built Environment, supported by the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts, the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program, Business Events Perth and the WA Museum.

INDIAN OCEAN STORIES

Indian Ocean Stories with Maritime Archaeologist Corioli Souter

Friday 3 September; 5-6pm | Friday 22 October; 5-6pm

The themes of the first Indian Ocean Craft Triennial are central to the collections and stories on display in the Tianqi Lithium Connections exhibition in the new WA Museum Boola Bardip. It explores Western Australia’s relationship with the rest of the world, looking through the lens of our relationships with our Indian Ocean partners.

Join Corioli Souter, Curator of Maritime Archaeology, for a fascinating one hour tour and talk about Indian Ocean artefacts and stories. Find out their significance and how and why they were chosen for display.

$15pp | Open to all ages. Please note: Limited to 20 places only. (When you register for a tour, program or an event, general entry is included in your booking.)

Image: Christian Sprogoe Photography. Courtesy WA Museum.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

FINDERS KEEPERS Mundaring Arts Centre

WORKSHOP: String Necklaces with Annette Nykiel

Join slow-maker Annette Nykiel and learn how to finger ply string and make a multi strand necklace adorned with beads, feathers or found objects inspired by Nalda Searles and her exhibition Finders Keepers. Materials will be supplied, but you are welcome to bring special objects such as feathers or large beads to adorn your necklace.

Sat 4 Sep | 10am - 4pm | Suitable for 10+ yrs
Mundaring Adult Creative & Learning Centre, 3 Craigie Place, Mundaring WA

Image: Courtesy Annette Nykiel and Mundaring Arts Centre

The Indian Ocean Craft Triennial respects and acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands and waters where we operate and present in Western Australia – in particular the Whadjuk people of the Noongar Nation.

We respect their culture, the Elders past, present and emerging; and give thanks for the continuing contribution they make to the life of this region.

Follow us on social media, share news of the Craft Triennial with all your friends and colleagues – and let us know about your activities too by tagging us: @crafttriennial

We will be in touch again soon. In the meantime, do not hesitate to contact us with any queries.

Best of health to everyone,
The Craft Triennial team.

IOTA21: Indian Ocean Craft Triennial is supported by Lotterywest; and assisted by the State Government of Western Australia through the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries; the Australian Government through the Office for the Arts, Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program, the Australia Council for the Arts, and the Australian ASEAN Council.

Exhibition partners Fremantle Arts Centre and John Curtin Gallery.

Conference & Fashion partners: Curtin University's School of Design and the Built Environment, WA Museum, Business Events Perth and Regional Arts WA.

Festival partner: Mundaring Arts Centre.

Cultural partners include CENDANA, Royal Thai Embassy, Australian Cultural Fund.

Project partners include Midland Brick, Gemstar/Manning & Co, Maker&Smith, Garland magazine, World Crafts Council - Australia, Artforms and Publik.

Design & Print supported by: IZZI, Orla Larkin, Christopher Young, Advance Press, Scott, ImageSource

Accommodation partners: Alex Hotel, Tradewinds Hotel and Quest Apartments Fremantle.

Interested in becoming a corporate partner? There are great opportunities to leverage the Triennial to suit a variety of corporate aims. Contact us today about what’s possible.