We know you have been waiting for the full speaker and program announcement! Read on for speakers and papers…
A first for Northland, this event brings together Aotearoa’s leading curators, historians, academics and artists working in contemporary art, fashion, dress, textiles and adornment. Social Fabric, Interconnectedness: Patterns and Diversity is the annual symposium for the Costume and Textile Association of New Zealand (CTANZ). We have a wonderful selection of presenters sharing in response to our theme, our three Keynote speakers are; the fabulous fabric artist, educator, and storyteller Ron Te Kawa, the lace textile artist, Rowan Panther, 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. It’s a dynamic meeting of minds, hearts and hands, where we present a rich tapestry of presenters whose knowledge and skills will inspire and engage.
Friday opens with a Powhiri and morning tea, to begin our program of speakers we hear from Ron TeKawa, our first keynote with Love and Rebellion.
Grace Lai and Kathryn Tsui bring us, Threading Asia within Aotearoa: Exploring interwoven echoes through the textile works of Kathryn Tsui. Next up Caroline McQuarry How deep into the earth we sink: Weaving and art on a Rangitīkei farm. As always we have papers on wool and weaving; Andrew Ross, Shetland Tweed: the story of a fabric, followed by Christine Keller, Weave with me the life of dreams.
We know you will not want to miss the panel convened by Chantal Knowles, Te Aho Mutunga Kore – decentring museum practice to weave new relationships, we will be lucky to be joined by a strong contingent from Auckland Museum for the weekend. Our last speaker on Friday is international practitioner Janice Arnold with a film showing and 3 Stories of Community Building with Traditional Feltmaking.
Our first day concludes with the traditional CTANZ Symposium dinner, this year it will be at Aqua, in the Hatea Arts Precinct.
On Saturday our second keynote, Rowan Panther opens the day with A lace making practice – reflections, explorations and technique. Rowan is followed by papers that connect us to our daily relationship with textiles and garments, Rebekah Harman and Emily Russell, Worn Well, Diana Albarran Gonzales, Weaving the threads of Buen vivir-centric design with Mayan weavers, Deb Cumming and Christine Brimer, Wayfarer- Cloth and Coat.
Later, Jane Malthus Marketing and Selling Textiles in 1970s New Zealand: How the Eden Hore Collection connects the dots, Gail Romano, Power and poignancy: Story and subtext in wartime autograph cloths, Donna Claypool, Archive Stories : Pattern, People and Place. Moira White, “Here may be seen the articles sent out by the Queen”, Genevieve Rae, What is an ecosystem to the material and the maker? Karin Warnaar closes the day with, E is for Elegance: fashion and style from A to Z.
On Sunday we start bright and early with breakfast and our AGM, this will be a biggie, we need you all to join us!
Then our final Keynote, Ruth Port; Te Karanga o te Rā sets the scene for a collection of papers that connect deeply with harakeke, community and local making. Maureen Lander begins the papers with Creating Kinship through Weaving, local northland practitioner, Reva Mendes discusses Sustainable Harakeke Korari: A Journey of Discovery followed by Angela Kilford Te Muka Taura – A site-based exploration of harakeke for dye extraction and muka colouration (Te Muka Taura).
Then we have the following papers by Pip Steel ‘You shouldn’t throw away any piece of cloth big enough to wrap three soybeans’ – The Boro of Old Japan, Stella Lange Craft practice and Architectural selvedge’s, Chloe Searle “They make Alliance”: examining the social fabric of the workers at the Oamaru Woollen Mills, Scott Pilkington “Baby, I was born this way” – representation of Rainbow identities in Aotearoa academic dress, and finally, Claire Regnault ‘Sartorial Aspirins’: Mollie Rodie and The Woman’s Page.
Make it your own Because there’s already enough bags in the world, we’d like you to bring your own bag to the symposium. Upcycle and individualise your own bag: make it a talking point and a way to introduce yourself on the first day, and be part of creating our own social fabric.
Gateway to the beautiful north. For those of you who can stay an extra day or two, it’s well worth a visit to Waitangi and Russell in the Bay of Islands.
Email Elaine at socialfabric2024@gmail.com if you would like to take a day trip in a minivan to Waitangi and Russell on Monday 2 September.
Social Fabric, Interconnectedness: Patterns and Diversity promises an enriching experience for anyone passionate about textiles, dress, and contemporary art. With a remarkable lineup of keynote speakers, a thought-provoking panel, and engaging presentations, this event is an unparalleled opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired.
We encourage you to register early to secure your place and to share this event with colleagues and friends who share our passion. Join us in Whangārei for a weekend that will weave together the threads of tradition, innovation, and community.
Social Fabric
Interconnectedness: Patterns and Diversity
Symposium dates Friday 30th August – Sunday 1st September 2024
Venue; Forum North, Whangārei
See you there!
Tickets via Eventfinder: Social Fabric, Interconnectedness: Patterns and Diversity
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