Culture in Design

The Best of Both Worlds: A Forum In Delhi about International Collaborations in Craft & Design
by Kevin Murray

This is the first public event in India of a project that may be of interest to Indigo members. It would be great to see you there. Please see website for more details.

Trent Jansen 'Sign stool' from reused road signs (limited edition)

‘The Best of Both Worlds’ considers the increasing number of transnational partnerships being forged between craft and design. How can we combine the free-wheeling possibilities of modern capitalist world with the grounded meaning of cultural traditions?

Typically, a designer from a wealthy Western country seeks to produce something handmade using skills of a traditional artisan. While this does seem to reinforce global inequalities, it is often the best alternative for those seeking to sustain their craft. So how can designers and artisans work together in product development as a fair partnership? How can designers work with artisans in a way that respects their unique contribution? What is the role for Indian designers in these new transnational supply chains?

This forum is part of Sangam: The Australia India Design Platform, which is a three year program of events designed to promote creative design partnerships between Australia and India. It includes roundtables, forums and workshops in Melbourne and Delhi, Sydney and Ahmedabad, and Brisbane and Bangalore. To support partnerships, a code of practice for creative collaborations is being developed.

Come join in a public forum to consider the opportunities for craft and design through international partnerships. Hear from leading innovative designers and craftspersons in Australia and India, including Trent Jansen, Ishan Khosla, Matthew Butler and Sandra Bowkett. Consider the role of ethical consumerism in generating opportunities in craft, fashion, design and social justice.

Sangam (‘confluence’) is a strategic initiative of the Visual Arts Board (Australia Council) and supported by the Australia India Institute. It is located in the Ethical Design Laboratory, a research area of RMIT Centre for Design. Visit www.sangamproject.net for more information and register for updates.

My Response 

I think this is fantastic idea, and beneficial for all involved. There's no better way to strengthen your cultural awareness than by experiencing it, art is a great way to document those experiences, and bring two worlds together.

In western culture, more and more so we seem to stray away from traditional media, and creating traditional arts. So it would be very interesting to see someone go back in time with there art work, how their own personal styles would shine through these ancient, traditional techniques and the beautiful collaborations that would be created.