A major Western Australian arts festival aims to change how we see craft and the role it can play in today\u2019s society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Curtin is a founding partner of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial (IOTA24<\/a>), which debuted in 2021 and will see artists from across the Indian Ocean region exhibit their work from August to October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n John Curtin Gallery<\/a> and Curtin\u2019s School of Design and the Built Environment<\/a> will be among the dozens of venues across the state hosting exhibitions, workshops and events \u2014 including the flagship Futuring Craft 24: The Value of Craft<\/a> conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The John Curtin Gallery is part of three major IOTA exhibitions, along with Fremantle Arts Centre and Holmes \u00e0 Court Gallery @ no.10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne<\/a> said the partnership with IOTA was a perfect extension of the University\u2019s proud history in supporting the arts community locally and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCurtin has a network of campuses across the Indian Ocean rim and IOTA\u2019s commitment to engaging with communities throughout the region aligns perfectly with ours,\u201d Professor Hayne said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCurtin\u2019s distinguished contribution to the arts spans more than 50 years; signing on as IOTA\u2019s Founding Partner will ensure our students, staff and alumni will continue to benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt will also help to further cement Curtin\u2019s reputation as a leading University by providing opportunities for artists and communities in various countries to come together, share knowledge and increase understanding of the wonderful cultural diversity throughout the Indian Ocean region.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n IOTA24 will highlight the work of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australian artists, alongside international exhibitors coming from diverse countries such as Iran and South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Malaysian collective Pangrok Sulap create intricate carved woodblock prints on fabric which tell community stories \u2014 and invite local communities to participate in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n