Social Fabric, Interconnectedness: Patterns and Diversity is the annual symposium for the Costume and Textile Association of New Zealand (CTANZ). Hosted this year for the first time in Northland, the three-day programme shared the latest research and discoveries in the realm of dress, textiles and contemporary art. Each day began with a keynote speaker: the fabulous fabric artist, educator, and storyteller Ron Te Kawa; Rowan Panther, the lace textile artist whose immaculate work occupies the space between art and artefact, and Ruth Port from the weaving group Te Rā Ringa Raupā, who are contributing to research on the incredible Te Rā through their work to replicate it. For the rest of the time, a range of papers covered aspects of the theme, reflecting the diverse interests and expertise of Aotearoa’s leading curators, historians, academics and artists working in this field.
The organising team of Angela Rowe, Catherine Davies-Colley, Cait McLennan Whyte, Elaine Webster and Tracey Wedge harnessed the spirit of Northland to share with those attending the symposium. The turnout was excellent, with a good proportion of new faces, and as always it’s gratifying to see presenters who come from other parts of the world to contribute their knowledge. The packed programme was punctuated by evening events: not just the lively and delicious symposium dinner at Whangārei’s Aqua restaurant, part of the Hundertwasser art centre, but also wine, cheese and shopping at the city’s Collecte boutique, and an informal dinner after the symposium closed.