Reclaim The Void: Weaving Country Whole

Community Weaving Workshop 

Reclaim the Void is a bold cross-cultural project with a vision to 'seal' a mining pit in the northern Goldfields of WA, with a huge dot artwork, made up of thousands of handmade circular rag-rugs woven from discarded fabric.

Come Along & contribute to Reclaim the Void & celebrate the richness of local contemporary Indigenous art & culture at the spectacular TOGETHER: For our Elders exhibition @ 26 Advantage

This is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about First Nations cultures and histories and by participating in this workshop & exhibition, to promote awareness and act as agents of change.

Workshop Includes:

• Weaving, connecting and contributing to this unique experience.
• Learning how to weave a spoke based woven rug.
• Facilitator support throughout the day.
• A chance to immerse in and tour the TOGETHER: For our Elders exhibition to celebrate the transformative power of art to inspire & uplift communities.

Image Credit: Karen Hopkins (18th Feb @26 Advantage)

• Tea, coffee & light refreshments provided.
• We will break for lunch and optional exhibition tour at 1pm
• BYO lunch (or grab something from the local: https://notissouvlaki.com.au/)
• There is a small $15 charge to cover postage & fees.
• All welcome. Most suitable for Adults & Keen Children (approx. 10yo+)
• Only 15 weaving workshops spots available - bookings essential.

Pictured: Karen Hopkins Art

More About Reclaim the Void:

We're offering this Community Workshop here in Naarm, Melbourne, gathering to weave a story of our collective love, respect, and wish to care for country.

Reclaim the Void is a conversation about caring for country and its custodians, and it invites everyone to be part of that through small-scale acts that collectively make something very special.

The elders share their wisdom with us in reminding us that: "when we wound country, we wound ourselves, and end up with a scarred physical and cultural landscape. This project carries the desire for healing country, healing community, and healing ourselves. It is about acknowledging the hurt and contributing to restoration. It offers people the chance to learn about country and culture."

For us here in Melbourne, Naarm, we can be part of this small act and be part of healing the fractures in our own community, as we contribute to the story of healing country in WA.

Learn More About Reclaim the Void

In Australia:

We’ve dug 50,000 holes across sacred land.

We dump 500,000 tonnes of fabric and clothing every year.

Can we give our hands and hearts in healing, to create 5,000 rugs to seal one hole?

Image credit: Reclaim the Void

Who are Your Hosts?

Fiona Morrison - Educator, Coach,Creative, Lifewalker

Fiona will be Facilitating the Weaving Space.

Hi I'm Fiona, I believe in whole-self living, where we can build a path to being our authentic selves more often, with less comparisonitis and self-judgement.

Whether it’s working with young people or adults, individuals, families or groups, my drive is to be a companion for the messy journey of life, as it unfolds in our day to day happenings. When I gather folks together I focus on nurturing the individual through warmth, creativity and playfulness so that we can sing up a more sustainable, hearty world to inhabit together.

As a non-indigenous Australian I am honoured to be able to support this powerful cross-cultural project and inspiring exhibition. I live and weave motivated by this mantra: "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together." (Lilla Watson in collaboration)

26 Advantage: Art & Gallery Space

Jessica and Gerry

Gerry is an eco friendly woodworker and picture framer
Jessica is an artist and curator who exhibits globally and coaches creatives

We will weave for Reclaim the Void, immersed amongst the Together: For Our Elders Exhibition.

Dive into the depth and diversity of Indigenous artistry running from September 14th to October 2nd, 2023 at 26 Advantage Art Gallery in Highett, Melbourne. This exhibition offers an unrivalled celebration of culture and a chance for you to not only view but experience art and storytelling that have been intricately woven through generations. 

Image credit: Domica Hill (artist in the Together: For Our Elders exhibition).

FAQ:

Can I take my rug home with me?

No, Rugs will be donated to the Reclaim the Void Project, so you will leave your woven wonders with us to send over to WA.

Will I be able to complete a rug during the Workshop?

Unlikely!! A finished 80cm rug takes upwards of 8 hours, so expect to be a contributor rather than weaver of a whole rug. Each rug will have all contributors named and have its own rich story to tell, weaving us into the healing process.

Can I bring my Children?

Children who will be able to sit and weave are welcome (I've found 10yo+ to find it most interesting and engaging). Because the workshop will be held in an Art Gallery space with an adjacent framing and homewares shop, it is unsuitable for children who need to play and explore. If you'd like a child-friendly community weaving space, please get in touch to find a time and space, cos I love running those workshops too!!

Do I need to Buy a Ticket?

Yes! We will have limited spaces available and need to know in advance who's coming to prepare sufficient materials.

What if I get sick? Do you offer refunds?

Please let us know as soon as practical if you're unable to attend so we can offer the spot to someone else.

Notes on venue, accessibility & inclusivity

Getting there:

26 Advantage Gallery is located in a grey Art Deco Warehouse half way down Advantage Road at number 26. Walk through the large entrance to the left of the building and through the courtyard to the rear gallery space.

Parking: can be limited on Advantage Road, so please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before we start at 11, so you don't have to rush and stress. If there is no parking left on Advantage Road, park on the north end of Highland Ave and walk across the park to Advantage Rd.
Public Transport: From the city - catch a train to Sandringham Station. Then the 822 bus runs along Bay St, straight past the end of Advantage Rd and it's a 300m walk down to the gallery. If you're keen for a nice big walk, it's about half an hour walk from Sandringham Station. There are a number of other bus routes travelling through the area if you are coming from other places.

Venue Accessibility:
* The gallery & workshop space is wheelchair accessible and there are toilets available off the workshop space. 

* The toilet cubicles are fairly small, so if you have a larger wheelchair, please contact us to discuss your needs in advance, so we can ensure your comfortable access to toilets.

* Accessible parking: If you require wheelchair/mobility accessible parking, please get in touch before the day, so we can direct you to park in the driveway at the front of the building or in an adjacent car park.

* All toilets at the venue are gender neutral and gender inclusive.

Content Accessibility:
*  At the start and end of the workshop, the Reclaim the Void project will be discussed and participants will be invited to reflect on the statement: "If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, let us work together." Lilla Watson. We will mention the pain of the traditional custodians and our role in sharing in healing country from the wounds of the mining industry. Participants will be invited to reflect on and share (voluntarily) their own stories and learnings.

* The weaving process we use is very simple and repetitive. It doesn't require any prior sewing or weaving skills and doesn't require any needles or other specific weaving equipment (We just use hoola hoops!!). We do use sharp scissors to cut material strips.

* The weaving process requires using your hands to weave the "threads" around a circular loom in a repetitive motion. You do lean over quite a bit as you weave and some find they need to take regular breaks so their back, neck and shoulders don't get sore. 

* The workshop will include conversation and verbal instruction. If you are a person with a hearing impairment, please get in touch so  we can incorporate communication tools and styles which you can access.

* People with low vision may require supports with weaving because of the need for consistent colour. The weaving itself is very tactile.

* The workshop will be held in the gallery space, which is a large, open warehouse with concrete floors and minimal furniture. It can therefore be quite noisy and echoey. As well as workshop participants, the space will be open to the public to visit the exhibition. From 12pm-1pm and 1.30-2.30pm there will be live music (a singer and guitar with amplified sound). The space is bright and filled with natural light, with lots of windows and high ceilings. The gallery walls are lit with spotlights. The space is large and open so is unheated. It can therefore be quite cold.

Inclusivity:

* All genders are welcome to participate in this workshop and exhibition. 

* Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are welcomed as custodians of culture and country. If you have any inclusivity or content concerns as a First Nations Person, please get in touch before the workshop, for a cultural sensitivity conversation.

* The workshop includes conversation and verbal instruction. If you are a deaf or hearing impaired person, please get in touch to talk about how we can incorporate communication tools and styles which you can access.

* The workshop design is focused towards adult participants, however interested children and teens will be welcome and catered to. We've found that keen 8+ year olds can manage the weaving process easily. Please note that the workshop will be held in the gallery space, so there are valuable artworks within and adjacent to the workshop space.

* You can indicate when booking, if you have any specific needs to enable your participation. If you do, we will contact you to ensure we can support your full participation.

I’m always very keen and willing to learn, support and explore with participants their unique requirements so please do get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility or inclusivity. I don't always get it "right" but I am always open to learning and growing to make my offerings work for ALL.

Warmly

Fiona