Presented in
partnership with the Australian Tapestry Workshop, Interwoven showcases
artists working across fashion, jewellery, and fibre art. A literal and
conceptual “thread” connects all works in the exhibition, each created through
the manipulation of textile materials in ways that challenge tradition, expand
technique and celebrate innovation.
Every artist featured in Interwoven: Fibre
Art and Fashion share a connection to the Australian Tapestry Workshop’s
internationally recognised Artist in Residence program. The program provides
artists and craftspeople with the opportunity to experiment within Australian
Tapestry Workshops vibrant studio environment, collaborating with master
weavers, exchanging skills, and engaging with community through talks,
workshops and exhibitions.
The works presented
in Interwoven: Fibre Art and Fashion reflect the depth of exploration
and artistic growth fostered through this residency experience, offering
audiences an inspiring look at the future of textile practice in Australia.
As an exciting
addition to this exhibition, Interwoven features new work created
through the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize residency at the
Australian Tapestry Workshop. The 2025 Prize winner Corin Corcoran was invited
to undertake a dedicated residency within the Workshop’s world-class facilities.
The resulting work, developed through this unique opportunity, is being
exhibited publicly for the first time as part of Interwoven. This
inclusion highlights the Museum’s ongoing commitment to supporting emerging
designers and advancing environmentally conscious approaches within
contemporary fashion and fibre art.
Exhibition Artists:
Alexi Freeman, Atong
Atem, Corin Corocon, Deanne Gilson, Ema Shin, Jordan Gogos, Kait James, Louise
Meuwissen, Phil Ferguson, Sai-Wai Foo, Tammy Gilson, Troy Emery
About the
Australian Tapestry Workshop Residency
During Corin
Corcoran’s four-week residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW), Corin
set out to create a garment that reflects her commitment to sustainable design.
Supported by ATW Head of Studio Beck Jobson, Corin worked closely with the
studio’s weaving and dyeing resources to develop new materials for her
collection.
Her exploration of
natural dyes focused on indigo, and she participated in ATW’s introductory
workshop on natural dyeing before dyeing fabric for garment construction.
Working on looms prepared by Beck Jobson, Corin wove with salvaged sheet fabric and produced a
series of distinctive woven pieces using wool felted and cotton fabrics,
chenille, wool roving, and unconventional materials such as discarded headphone
cabling and headphones.
By the conclusion
of her residency on 28 November, Corin will have created a range of new woven
materials for garment construction, gained skills in weaving and natural
dyeing, and contributed to the creative life of the ATW studio.
National Wool
Museum Senior Curator Josephine Rout said the prize reflects the Museum’s
commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and sustainability in
contemporary fashion. "These designers are not only redefining
style—they are helping transform the fashion industry into a force for
good."
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
Creative partnerships are essential to Geelong’s identity as a
UNESCO City of Design. Working with Australian Tapestry Workshop and Melbourne
Fashion Week strengthens our creative sector and supports designers and artists
to grow their practice. The National Wool Museum’s collaboration with the
Workshop is a standout example, celebrating craftsmanship, innovation and the
future of textile design. Together, these partnerships highlight our City’s
commitment to fostering a vibrant, world-class creative community.
Padraic Fisher, National Wool Museum Director:
Our relationship with the Australian Tapestry Workshop is vital to the work we
do. Their commitment to excellence in textile craftsmanship and contemporary
practice continually inspires us. Through their residency program, artists
experiment, innovate and expand the possibilities of fibre art. Interwoven:
Fibre Art and Fashion is a powerful expression of that partnership, showcasing
the creative outcomes that emerge when artists are supported, challenged and
connected. Together, we celebrate textiles as dynamic, cultural storytellers.