A new La Trobe Art Institute exhibition is highlighting the importance of weaving in many different cultures.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Interwoven, which started on Monday and runs through to October 26, features the works of a number of artists from migrant, refugee and Indigenous groups in Bendigo.
"This exhibition is very much interested in the idea of sharing information both cross-culturally but also transgenerationally," senior curator Kent Wilson said.
"The basic idea is that when people sit together to make textiles, it usually happens in a group.
"Information is shared through the conversations that take place in that group so there's that idea of interweaving knowledge. It's not just about textiles but also the information that's shared."
Each week of the exhibition is dedicated to a master weaver. Dja Dja Wurrung elder Aunty Maryline Nicholls kicked off the exhibition on Monday with the creation of a woven Bunya or Ringtail Possum.
Artists from the Emerge Cultural Hub Bendigo will also showcase work, as will professional weaver Ilka White and Ngan'gikurrungurr woman Regina Pilawuk Wilson.
But Mr Wilson said the exhibition also encouraged participation from the audience.
"There are two gallery spaces," Mr Wilson said. "In the front, main gallery, we have looms set up and there are activities where you can make things in the space.
"The audience is encouraged to learn and participate. There are a whole series of workshops they can join.
"The second space is more of a traditional exhibition, where the audience can see what's possible with weaving and the high level of skills from our master weavers."
Mr Wilson said it was important the institute partnered with Multicultural Arts Victoria and the Emerge Cultural Hub Bendigo for the exhibition.
"Textiles are shared by all cultures," he said. "It's a good way for people to learn about other culture through the things that they make.
"We learn more about people's personal stories. We have invited the Karen community, the Sudanese community and the Dja Dja Wurrung people.
"We wanted to build that cultural conversation with the migrant and refugee communities in Bendigo, but also the First Nations people.
"We're trying to make the space a culturally safe and open environment."
The exhibition will be on show until October 26 at the La Trobe Art Institute on View Street, Bendigo.
Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.