Weaving Waters
Tuggeranong Arts Centre in collaboration with the Fibre Basket Makers of the ACT
7 – 15 November 2026
Location | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street North, Greenway ACT 2900
Opening Hours | Weave every Friday at Coffee and Creatives | 10am – 1pm
Entry | Free | No registration required
Access | template, template, template
Dissent, characterised as objection, is expressed through Tuggeranong Arts Centre’s protest artwork modelled on the Murray Cod, a theme that aims to interrogate the species' decline due to the introduction of feral fish taxa and damaging environmental changes. The Murray Cod, a species of great significance to First Nations Peoples, is listed as a threatened and vulnerable species under the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
This project is an opportunity to shed light on the issue and to educate participants by sharing First Nations stories and promote environmental conservation strategies such as fishing restrictions, improved water quality, habitat restoration, fish translocation and stocking programs.
The project will use natural fibres for the community collaborative making of a woven cover for the sculpture's metal armature. Participants will learn time honoured weave techniques along with principles for collecting and preparing natural materials that honour and protect the environment's long-term sustainability. The project aims to foster deeper connection with the natural world, while sharing meditative making practices for improved wellbeing and overall mental health.
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TAC collaborators, the Fibre Basket Makers of the ACT are a special interest group founded in the 1980s by Shirley Lewis after she delivered basketmaking courses at Canberra Institute of Technology. The group has been meeting for more than 20 years on the second Saturday of each month at the Downer Community Centre. The group is affiliated with basket making groups in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania. Members share their techniques, experience and materials. Prominent members include Ann McMahon, Lisa Stevenson and Dr. Christian Keller among others.
SEE WEBSITE HERE -
Opened in 1998, Tuggeranong Arts Centre (TAC) is staffed by arts professionals with direction from CEO Caroline Downer OAM and support from a voluntary board. The Tuggeranong Community Arts Association manages the building and facilities, including three purpose-built galleries, a 100 seat theatre, and classrooms and event spaces where a range of multi-artform community engagement programs and events are presented.
SEE WEBSITE HERE
Proudly supported by Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Images
Basket samples by Ann McMahon and Lisa Stevenson 2023 | Photo by Ann McMahon
Fibre Basket Makers of the ACT Harvesting Day 2018 | Photo courtesy of Fibre Basket Makers of the ACT