Textile interests

Hello - I am posting a pdf with information about weaving residencies in Yell in Shetland - for the interest of any weaving members or weavers that you might know? I am also adding some images to add colour to the blog - last November I was fortunate to participate in a Scottish curators research visit to India which included a spell in Kachchh, an area rich in textile tradition and other skills. There are a number of NGO's working throughout the region to help local artisans to develop and maintain their skills, whilst introducing the design of new products with contemporary appeal which will reach wider markets and provide greater economic support. It's obviously an intervention which requires great sensitivity, but I visited some good models, for example: www.kala-raksha.org

We visited Bhuj, which was the epicentre of a devastating earthquake in 2001, although much has since been rebuilt. The weaving, embroidery and other hand skills in this area are amazing but the focus on regeneration and inward investment after the earthquake, when factories and industry were given incentives to relocate to the area, has had a significant negative impact. The attraction of higher wages has led, understandably, many people to choose to work in factories. This has in turn led to a rapid decline in the making of traditional product and as a consequence is breaking the continuity of these skills. The work of the NGO's is increasingly important to address these issues - to maintain tradition and continuing expertise, develop sustainable new markets, micro-credit systems, greater empowerment and encourage 'making' as a viable option for livelihood.