Australian Tapestry Workshop

Applications for the 2025 ATW Artist in Residence program are open!

The ATW offers artists and craftspeople working with textiles the chance to broaden their practice in our world-renowned residency program. Head to our website for all the details and application guidelines. Applications close Sunday 20 October at 5pm AEDT.

For any questions about the process, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

Image: 2023 Artist in Residence Misako Nakahira, Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe

Coming up in City of Port Phillip!

City of Port Phillip Arts Collective (COPPAC) invites you for an important forum where the candidates for the upcoming City of Port Phillip Council elections will share their vision and commitment to the arts.

This event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from those who could shape the future of our local arts organisations and influence the allocation of arts funding.

FREE TO ATTEND - Register your interest via the link in our bio!
Monday 23rd September 6:00pm
Where: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda

Article | The Australian Tapestry Workshop: A weaver’s view

ATW weaver Chris Cochius recently wrote an article for Garland Magazine where she reflected on her journey in and out of an organisation that feeds her creativity and provides a connection with fellow weavers.

The Australian Tapestry Workshop: A weaver’s view Chris Cochius reflects on her journey in and out of an organisation that feeds her creativity and provides a connection with fellow weavers.

Due to important maintenance, The Australian Tapestry Workshop will be closed from Monday 16 September and will reopen on Thursday 26 September.

Please note that online orders placed during this period will be dispatched on Thursday 26 September. Our Apologies for the inconvenience.

For any enquiries during the period, please email [email protected] or call (03) 9699 7885

Planning your upcoming visit the Australian Tapestry Workshop?

The ATW now has an accessible parking space! You can find it right outside the main entrance to the ATW, on the corner of Park Street and Perrins Street in South Melbourne. Visit us Thursday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM. For more information, email [email protected] or call (03) 9699 7885.

The 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards Exhibition continues at the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

Showcasing the work of 138 award finalists from 29 countries around the world, the exhibition is an exciting and vibrant survey of tapestry. Each work demonstrates an expressive use of tapestry through material, concept, colour and design.

The exhibition continues until Friday, October 25. The ATW is open Thursday - Saturday from 10AM - 5PM each week. For appointments and tour enquiries email [email protected]

Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe

Last week we hosted the opening celebrations for Invisible Maestro, an exhibition showcasing the work of three ulos weavers from Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Hirim Samosir, Anna Lince Siahaan, and Mastiar Nababan, and the photo and video documentation of Indonesian photographer Dewie Bukit.

The exhibition continues until Friday 18 October, 2024. The ATW is open Thursday - Saturday from 10AM - 5PM every week. For more information about the exhibition visit the ATW website.


Photography: Tom Hvala

Work in progress for 'Welcome to Country - now you see me: seeing the invisible' designed by Maree Clarke and Mitch Mahoney.

You might spot the weavers in the background, here they're preparing the tapestry before they roll down and begin on the next section!

Keep up to date with the progress on the loom and the latest programs at the ATW via our monthly e-news. Sign up via the link in bio 🔗

Some highlights from the dye lab this week! Ahead of the opening of Invisible Maestro, the Ulos weavers Hirim Samosir, Anna Lince Siahaan, and Mastiar Nababan joined Dye Lab Assistant Heather Thomas to do some natural dyeing in the ATW Dye Lab!

Don't forget to RSVP for tomorrow's opening celebrations for Invisible Maestro! The exhibition showcases traditional handwoven tapestries created by three Ulos weavers from Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Hirim Samosir, Anna Lince Siahaan, and Mastiar Nababan.

📍Australian Tapestry Workshop
🗓️ 5.30PM - 7.30PM, Wednesday 28 August 2024
🔗 Register via the link in our bio.

368 colours are not enough!

We have created eight "specials" for our current tapestry in progress, 'Welcome to Country - now you see me: seeing the invisible' designed by Maree Clarke () and Mitch Mahoney ().

All of our tapestries are created from wool and cotton yarn that is dyed at our South Melbourne workshop by Master Dyer Tony Stefanovski and our Dye Lab Assistant Heather Thomas.

INVISIBLE MAESTRO | FLOOR TALK AND WEAVING DEMONSTRATION

Next week is the opening of Invisible Maestro at the Australian Tapestry Workshop!

Invisible Maestro showcases traditional handwoven tapestries created by three Ulos weavers from Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Hirim Samosir, Anna Lince Siahaan, and Mastiar Nababan.

Prior to the opening celebrations, there will be a relaxed floor talk with Indonesian Photographer Dewie Bukit who has been researching and documenting the Ulos weaving tradition since 2017. In addition to the talk there will also be a demonstration of the Ulos weaving process in the gallery space.

📍Australian Tapestry Workshop
🗓️ 4PM - 5PM, Wednesday 28 August 2024
(prior to the opening celebrations)
🔗 Register via the ATW website

Vale Liz Williamson (1949 – 2024)

We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of revered textile artist, master weaver, and educator, Liz Williamson. Liz was a celebrated figure in the craft and design sector and leaves an immense legacy as an artist and devoted and generous advocate for textiles worldwide.

Liz was a master craftsperson, known as a ‘matriarch of Australian Weaving’, and her artistic and curatorial career was prolific. Her practice began in the 1970s, delving into the experimental potential of weaving as an expansive and innovative practice. She merged the traditions of textiles with digital processes, considering deeply the associated cultures and histories of weaving. Liz’s work has been exhibited nationally and internationally at major art institutions, and her wearable pieces also are worn and treasured by many.

As an educator for more than 35 years, Liz established textiles at the College of Fine Arts UNSW in 1997 – and through the years her role as a teacher and mentor has influenced the careers of generations of artists and textile practitioners, including members of our own team at ATW.

Liz was a passionate supporter and regular visitor to the Australian Tapestry Workshop. Over the years Liz exhibited and participated in many programs at the ATW – including her Weaving Eucalyptus Project as part of the ‘Make the World Again’ exhibition curated by Dr. Kevin Murray at ATW in 2021 and as part of ADC x ATW stand at Melbourne Design Fair in 2023. Liz recently visited the ATW, telling us about current and upcoming exhibitions and the extensions of her eucalyptus dying practice, and generously hosting our International Artist in Residence Abhishek Ganesh ( Kaimurai) at her home during his visit to Sydney.

The ATW is in awe of her many contributions to the art and design sector and will dearly miss her presence — we offer our deepest condolences to Liz’s family, friends and colleagues.

Coming up this Saturday / Open Studio with Tricky Walsh!

📍Australian Tapestry Workshop
🗓️ 2PM - 4PM, Saturday 17 August, 2024
🔗 Register via the ATW website

Tricky Walsh (They/Them) is a non-binary artist working in New Norfolk, Tasmania, who works both collaboratively and in a solo capacity. Their projects focus on both spatial and communication concerns in an increasingly speculative manner and while they use a diversity of media including architecture, painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, sound, film, comics and radio.

The open studio is an opportunity to hear from Tricky about their artistic practice and their time at the ATW. During their residency, Tricky has been able to learn tapestry weaving and is looking at ways of incorporating this into their mixed media and sculpture practice.

Image: Marie-Luise Skibbe

The 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards Exhibition continues at the Australian Tapestry Workshop.

Showcasing the work of 138 award finalists from 29 countries around the world, the exhibition is an exciting and vibrant survey of tapestry. Each work demonstrates an expressive use of tapestry through material, concept, colour and design.

The exhibition continues until Friday, October 25. The ATW is open Thursday - Saturday from 10AM - 5PM each week. For appointments and tour enquiries email [email protected]

UPCOMING EXHIBITION /
Invisible Maestro
29 August - 18 October

Invisible Maestro showcases traditional handwoven tapestries created by three ulos weavers from Lake Toba, North Sumatra, Indonesia: Hirim Samosir, Anna Lince Siahaan, and Mastiar Nababan. Ulos is the traditional woven fabric of the Batak people, used in cultural and ceremonial events.

The colours and patterns of the fabric signify different meanings and are often passed down to generations of Batak weaver women. Alongside the three Batak women’s works, Dian Aprillia, a textile artist based in Yogyakarta, will present a contemporary installation of ulos fabrics. Through the photo and video documentation of Indonesian photographer Dewie Bukit, this exhibition highlights the lives of Batak women devoted to the loom.

The opening celebrations will be held on Wednesday 28 August from 5.30 - 7.30PM at the Australian Tapestry Workshop. All are welcome! RSVP via the ATW website.

Photo: Dewie Bukit

This is the final week to see Kaimurai: Woven Faith at Australian Tapestry Workshop. The exhibition finishes up on Friday 16 August 2024.

Kaimurai's artistic practice explores the dialogue between organic forms and the flow of energy experienced through the Western Ghats, Ancient South Indian art, rituals, architecture and Carnatic music.

The ATW is open to the public Thursday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM every week.
Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe

The latest progress on 'Welcome to Country - now you see me: seeing the invisible' designed by Maree Clarke and Mitch Mahoney.

Visit the ATW Thursday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM to see the weaving in action!
Photo: Marie-Luise Skibbe.

Last week was the official opening of the Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards! Here are some photos from the terrific event, thank you to everyone who came along, and everyone who tuned in to the livestream!

Drop by the Australian Tapestry Workshop Thursday - Saturday from 10AM - 5PM and enjoy the vibrant array of small tapestries from around the world! Many of the works are still available for purchase, find the price list at via the ATW website.

Photography: Marie-Luise Skibbe

IN CONVERSATION WITH TRICKY WALSH

ATW Artist in Residence, Tricky Walsh (They/Them) is a non-binary artist working in New Norfolk, Tasmania, who works both collaboratively and in a solo capacity. We spoke to Tricky about their creative practice and influences, discussing their day-to-day in the studio and their residency at the ATW.

Their projects focus on both spatial and communication concerns in an increasingly speculative manner and while they use a diversity of media including architecture, painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, sound, film, comics and radio.

To find out more about Tricky's practice and residency you can join us for an artist talk and studio viewing at the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW)’s Artist in Residence studio space on Saturday 17 August from 2 PM - 4 PM. The session is free to attend, all are welcome!
RSVP via the link in bio.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.

2024 has been our biggest awards yet, 137 finalists have been selected from 206 entries, from 29 different countries as far reaching as Mongolia, Chile, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Ecuador and Mexico to name a few.

This award is instrumental in the promotion of contemporary tapestry worldwide and allows the ATW to be part of the growing and thriving global community of tapestry weavers. We thank all entrants of the award; without them this incredible survey of international textile practice would not be possible.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

Image: Cheryl Thornton, 'Quandong I', 2023.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.

2024 has been our biggest awards yet, 137 finalists have been selected from 206 entries, from 29 different countries as far reaching as Mongolia, Chile, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Ecuador and Mexico to name a few.

This award is instrumental in the promotion of contemporary tapestry worldwide and allows the ATW to be part of the growing and thriving global community of tapestry weavers. We thank all entrants of the award; without them this incredible survey of international textile practice would not be possible.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

Image: Tony Busch, ‘Termite study’, 2024

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.

2024 has been our biggest awards yet, 137 finalists have been selected from 206 entries, from 29 different countries as far reaching as Mongolia, Chile, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Ecuador and Mexico to name a few.

This award is instrumental in the promotion of contemporary tapestry worldwide and allows the ATW to be part of the growing and thriving global community of tapestry weavers. We thank all entrants of the award; without them this incredible survey of international textile practice would not be possible.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

Image: Manjari Murugesan, ‘Loom-mate’, 2024.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.

2024 has been our biggest awards yet, 137 finalists have been selected from 206 entries, from 29 different countries as far reaching as Mongolia, Chile, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Ecuador and Mexico to name a few.

This award is instrumental in the promotion of contemporary tapestry worldwide and allows the ATW to be part of the growing and thriving global community of tapestry weavers. We thank all entrants of the award; without them this incredible survey of international textile practice would not be possible.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

Image: Misako Nakahira, ‘LINES ’, 2024.

We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.

2024 has been our biggest awards yet, 137 finalists have been selected from 206 entries, from 29 different countries as far reaching as Mongolia, Chile, Norway, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Ecuador and Mexico to name a few.

This award is instrumental in the promotion of contemporary tapestry worldwide and allows the ATW to be part of the growing and thriving global community of tapestry weavers. We thank all entrants of the award; without them this incredible survey of international textile practice would not be possible.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the 2024 Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards.

Image: Anna Dunnill, Australia, ‘Gleanings (self-portrait)’, 2024.

OPEN STUDIO / TRICKY WALSH

Join Artist in Residence Tricky Walsh for an artist talk and studio viewing at the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW)’s Artist in Residence studio space.

📍Australian Tapestry Workshop
🗓️ 2PM - 4PM, Saturday 17 August, 2024.
🔗 Register via the ATW website

Tricky Walsh (They/Them) is a non-binary artist working in New Norfolk, Tasmania, who works both collaboratively and in a solo capacity. Their projects focus on both spatial and communication concerns in an increasingly speculative manner and while they use a diversity of media including architecture, painting, drawing, sculpture, installation, sound, film, comics and radio.

During their residency at the ATW, Tricky has been able to learn tapestry weaving and is looking at ways of incorporating this into their mixed media and sculpture practice.

As part of this Open Studio event, hear from Tricky as they speak about their practice and how it is foremost the concept at hand that determines which form of material experimentation occurs within these broader themes.

Latest from the loom / Work in progress of 'Welcome to Country - now you see me: seeing the invisible' designed by Maree Clarke and Mitch Mahoney.

Keep up to date with the progress on the loom and the latest programs at the ATW via our monthly e-news. Sign up via the link in bio 🔗.

Kaimurai: Woven Faith continues at the ATW.

Some images from the wonderful opening for the exhibition last month at ATW. Don't miss the chance to check out the exhibition before it closes Friday 16 August.

Kaimurai's artistic practice explores the dialogue between organic forms and the flow of energy experienced through the Western Ghats, Ancient South Indian art, rituals, architecture and Carnatic music.

The exhibition features works made as part of his residency at the ATW, in collaboration with ATW weavers, as well as work from his broader practice painting with Indigo on Khadi cloth.

Find out more via the ATW website.

Don't forget, the opening celebrations for the Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards exhibition is coming up next week!

📍 The Australian Tapestry Workshop
🗓️ Wednesday 31 July, 5:30-7:30PM

The biennial Kate Derum and Irene Davies International Tapestry Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in contemporary tapestry. Held by the Australian Tapestry Workshop, artists from around the world are invited to submit small-scale hand-woven tapestries that reflect an expressive use of tapestry through materials, concept, colour and design.

Image: Marie-Luise Skibbe

In the lead up to the opening exhibition of the Kate Derum and Irene Davies Award Exhibition, we’d like to introduce you to the judges.

Meet Tai Snaith / Tai is an Australian artist and writer with a broad and generous practice ranging from painting and ceramics to curating, conducting conversations and broadcasting.

Tai’s work often marries the act of making with the telling of stories. Connecting and creating meaning through verbal exchange and dialogue. Creating visual symbols from spoken ideas.

Tai's practice employs many different forms of research and processes and presents them via widely varying outcomes and contexts. Her work is often personal, collaborative and experimental.

In addition to making, a large part of Tai's practice is involved in the discourse and community surrounding art. Tai hosts a regular review of visual art on Triple R fm and is a past board member of C3 Contemporary Art Space.

In the past, Tai has worked as a producer and curator for Next Wave Festival , Melbourne Fringe and Melbourne Emerging Writer's festival and has presented project spaces at Rotterdam Project(OR) art fair and Melbourne Art Fair. Her writing has been published in Art and Australia, Architecture Australia, Un Magazine, Houses and Artlink. She has published (written and illustrated) Six picture books with Thames and Hudson.

We're hiring! Join our team at ATW as our Office Coordinator.

The Office Coordinator is a key member of the ATW team, responsible for the efficient running of day-to-day office and administration tasks. Excellent organisational and communication skills are crucial to the role, which supports the smooth running of business activities.

🔗 Find the detailed job description via the link in bio.

Deadline for application is 5pm, 2nd August 2024. Interviews will be held in the week of 12th August 2024. Start date negotiable, preference for 2nd September or earlier.