WORKSHOP | Learn Bilum Stitch Scarf with Ranu James | MELBOURNE ST STUDIO

When: Saturday 20 August 2022

Time: 10:00am-2:00pm

Duration: 4 hours

Where: artisan's workshop location South Brisbane, 170 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, Queensland 4101

Cost: $100 per person, limited to 10 places

About the workshop:

This workshop will take you on a cultural journey through storytelling, cultural knowledge, and the craft known as bilum- the technique used by women throughout Papua New Guinea to create beautiful, traditional, intricately-woven bags and textiles. Throughout this workshop, Ranu will share aspects of her Motuan culture and other Pasifika cultures. Participants are invited to spend time sitting in circle to share in the experience of community that is created when women sit together and weave. You will learn the bilum technique of twisting and looping string in a rhythmical movement, a skill which has been passed down through the generations, to begin creating your own unique bilum-stitch scarf.

Please note that components of this workshop will take place sitting on the floor. Artisan will endeavour to provide floor cushions and ensure all participants are comfortable. If mobility is a concern, this workshop may not be for you.

Included in workshop ticket:

• The fibres/yarn
• The beginnings of a beautiful bilum scarf to take home and continue
• A deeper understanding and appreciation of Papua New Guinean culture
• New skills!
• Light refreshments

What to bring:

• Please wear comfortable clothing
• Feel free to bring a cushion to sit on

About the facilitator:

Ranu James is a proud Papuan Australian woman who holds a M.Ed. in International Studies. She has been an educator for over 30 years, 19 of those years working with children, families and educators in remote Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory. Ranu is the Director and Cultural Consultant of her cultural consultancy business, Weaving Cultural Stories and has worked in many roles within the Education and Community Services. Ranu loves the opportunity to share her own culture in the community and does this through the mediums of music, dance, storytelling and craft, as a community weaver Ranu has also been running Bilum weaving and beading/bilas sessions around QLD, enabling participants to spend time sitting in circle with other Papua New Guinean women, sharing in the experience of community created when women sit together and weave.

Skill Level: No previous experience required

COVID-Safe Policy:

Please be assured artisan has well considered COVID-safe protocols regarding our workshop programming. You will be offered socially distanced seating, access to your own PPE sanitation options at your workspace, and a large extremely well-ventilated workshop venue.

Workshop Cancellation Policy:

Please note this workshop can be cancelled by artisan due to unforeseen circumstances or if minimum numbers are not reached. In this event participants will be refunded accordingly and as soon as possible.

Participant Cancellation Policy:

Workshops have limited spaces and involve preparation by the facilitator. Bookings cancelled up to one week prior to the start of the workshop may be refunded, but a 20% non-refundable administration fee will be deducted. Bookings cancelled within a week of the workshop commencing will NOT be refunded.

Workshop Transfer Policy:

You may transfer your booking into an alternative workshop up to one week prior to the start of the workshop. Any difference in cost will be charged accordingly. Please endeavour to complete any transfers at least one week prior to the workshop.

You are also welcome to transfer your booking to another person prior to the workshop commencing. Please confirm this arrangement in writing to workshop@artisan.org.au.