Batik design partnerships in Indonesia

As a craft, batik seems quintessentially Indonesian. After a dispute with Malaysia about its origin, UNESCO in 2009 officially recognised batik as part of Indonesia’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. To celebrate, President Yudhoyono declared 2 October to be batik day, and called on all Indonesians to wear their national costume with pride every Friday. This proved … Continue reading Batik design partnerships in Indonesia

Dialog Batik, Central Java 2014

A one day conference will provide information necessary for participants to plan for export of their batik and craft products. This will include information about product design, e-commerce platforms and legal issues. For visitors to Central Java, it will be an opportunity to learn about the contemporary batik scene.

Handloom crisis: A background note

The handloom sector is facing a new crisis, even more serious than issues of competition, marketing, technology, livelihood and quality of life that have inhibited Indian weavers for decades from access to the unlimited opportunities that are possible today. The latest crisis could eliminate India’s rich handloom advantage forever. The crisis became evident suddenly, ostensibly … Continue reading Handloom crisis: A background note

Dialog Batik in Indonesia for Semarang Night Carnival

Dialog Batik aims to promote create partnerships between Australia and Indonesia. It involves a workshop in Semarang, Central Java, 22-23 May 2014, where participants show their work and discuss standards for partnership. The workshop will coincide with the glamorous Semarang Night Carnival (see report on last year’s event here). If you are interested in participating, … Continue reading Dialog Batik in Indonesia for Semarang Night Carnival

Journey Leads to New Platform

Samaanata was the culmination of a three year journey between Australia and India. Sangam: Australia India Design Platform involved an extended series of roundtables, workshops, forums and surveys examining the interests and relationships of producers, developers and consumers. The goal has been to encourage a growth in design exchange between Australia and India by identifying … Continue reading Journey Leads to New Platform

Survey: We want to know who we are

We conducted a quick survey of the Sangam Project network in the lead up to the Bangalore event. The responses we received were evenly distributed between Australia and India, designers and artisans. On the question of what information should be available to consumers, a large majority 80% said names of both artisans and designers should … Continue reading Survey: We want to know who we are

Bangalore–Going back to progress

The journey of the Sangam Project has covered the eastern seaboard of Australia and three cities of India. After Delhi and Ahmedabad, the journey concludes down south, in Bangalore. Bangalore is world famous as India’s global city. The computing giant Infosys helped build the city’s reputation as a centre for digital technologies. Alongside this has … Continue reading Bangalore–Going back to progress

Where Moth & Rust Decay in Bangalore

by Katheryn Leopoldseder You are warmly invited to Where Moth & Rust Decay A jewellery exhibition by Katheryn Leopoldseder Opening Thursday the 5th of December 6–8pm 1 Shanthi Road Studio Gallery Opening Times: 5th–11th December 2013 Open daily 11am–7pm Catalogue available to view online from katherynleopoldseder.com.au Where Moth and Rust Decay responds to Katheryn’s travels … Continue reading Where Moth & Rust Decay in Bangalore

‘Indian Art – Its Neglect’ ;by Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi’s words from nearly 100 years ago. What has changed? Unlimited production, the competition for increase in quantity and the unceasing search for markets form even now the most prominent and characteristic features of national programmes. They are, no doubt, framed by those who have been unable to rid themselves of the mesmerism due to … Continue reading ‘Indian Art – Its Neglect’ ;by Mahatma Gandhi

Mariamman in the age of climate change

The cultural dialogue between Australia and India continues to grow. Below is notice of a group called Jambudvipa, which seeks to invigorate young Australians involved in the Indian arts to work together and combine creative forces to propagate it, and at the same time work within the different cultural spaces. They are open to future … Continue reading Mariamman in the age of climate change

Fashionable Early Modern Adaptation of Indian Embroideries and its Contemporary Significance

Questions arise followed by a gasp of astonishment when one confronts a gigantic wall-hanging comprising European design minutely embroidered in Indian chain stitch so as to simulate printed design. This encounter with a late seventeenth century piece of textile craft at the Calico museum is what led me to investigate European adaptation of traditional Indian … Continue reading Fashionable Early Modern Adaptation of Indian Embroideries and its Contemporary Significance