Weave the Web

Weaving has a long and strong tradition for Indigenous women. In promoting Indigenous art, weaving has tended to be pushed into the background and to a certain extent women's art as a consequence.  This program will develop the weaving skills of the women in the region and use the metaphor of weaving, to build the wellbeing and self-esteem of Indigenous women and the networks and sharing of skills between Indigenous women weavers on Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait.

Primary project outcomes:

1. Strengthen women's networks and organizations
2. Empower Indigenous women through recognition and development of their traditional skills
3. Support and build Indigenous women's cultural traditions
4. Support transference of women's cultural knowledge and skills across age groups and tribal groups
5. Strengthen social and networking skills and self esteem
6. Support a greater understanding of the values and cultural traditions of Indigenous women
7. Create economical opportunities for weavers and their families

This program will consist of a series of activities enabling the outcomes listed above.
Launch at Gab Titui, Thursday Island, during the TI Festival on September 17th 2008
In 2008 and 2009 the Hopevale weavers will be visiting weavers in other Cape York and North Queensland communities to exchange ideas and skills and hope that weavers in other communities will do the same.

The activities will be coordinated to maximise opportunities for local Indigenous women to develop their management and leadership skills through out the program culminating in their leadership and coordination in the running of the final activity - 'Weave the Web' at the Laura Dance Festival.

'Weave the Web' at Laura Dance Festival 2009

'Weave the Web' The Hopevale weavers are inviting women from around Australia to a gathering of weavers from North Queensland, Cape York Peninsula and Torres Strait, Arnhem Land and other outback regions, at Laura Dance Festival. Coordinated by Indigenous women from Hopevale in conjunction with the other Art and Cultural Centres on the Peninsula and the Torres Strait.

At the Laura Dance Festival weavers from all these communities and others will come together building a greater understanding of Indigenous women's cultural traditions in the wider community. Hundreds of Indigenous and non-indigenous people attend the Laura Dance Festival giving us a fantastic opportunity to platform this art form
All communities involved will benefit through the sharing of cultural knowledge, skills and creativity in weaving and the social gains that come from women's networks and empowerment through leadership.

We intend to erect two bush shelters to accommodate a workshop and social gathering space and a forum space where Indigenous women’s issues can be discussed and presentations made.
For more info contact: Leah Kerr, Evelyn McGreen or Madge Bowen at Hopevale Arts and Cultural Centre.

An invitation to all Indigenous weaving women.

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