Presented in partnership with the Australian Tapestry Workshop, Interwoven showcases artists working across fashion, jewellery, and fibre art. A literal and conceptual "thread" connects all works in the exhibition, each created through the manipulation of textile materials in ways that challenge tradition, expand technique and celebrate innovation.
Every artist featured in Interwoven: Fibre Art and Fashion share a connection to the Australian Tapestry Workshop's internationally recognised Artist in Residence program. The program provides artists and craftspeople with the opportunity to experiment within Australian Tapestry Workshops vibrant studio environment, collaborating with master weavers, exchanging skills, and engaging with community through talks, workshops and exhibitions.
The works presented in Interwoven: Fibre Art and Fashion reflect the depth of exploration and artistic growth fostered through this residency experience, offering audiences an inspiring look at the future of textile practice in Australia.
As an exciting addition to this exhibition, Interwoven features new work created through the We the Makers Sustainable Fashion Prize residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop. The 2025 Prize winner Corin Corcoran was invited to undertake a dedicated residency within the Workshop's world-class facilities. The resulting work, developed through this unique opportunity, is being exhibited publicly for the first time as part of Interwoven. This inclusion highlights the Museum's ongoing commitment to supporting emerging designers and advancing environmentally conscious approaches within contemporary fashion and fibre art.
Exhibition Artists:
Alexi Freeman, Atong Atem, Corin Corocon, Deanne Gilson, Ema Shin, Jordan Gogos, Kait James, Louise Meuwissen, Phil Ferguson, Sai-Wai Foo, Tammy Gilson, Troy Emery
About the Australian Tapestry Workshop Residency
During Corin Corcoran's four-week residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW), Corin set out to create a garment that reflects her commitment to sustainable design. Supported by ATW Head of Studio Beck Jobson, Corin worked closely with the studio's weaving and dyeing resources to develop new materials for her collection.
Her exploration of natural dyes focused on indigo, and she participated in ATW's introductory workshop on natural dyeing before dyeing fabric for garment construction. Working on looms prepared by Beck Jobson, Corin wove with salvaged sheet fabric and produced a series of distinctive woven pieces using wool felted and cotton fabrics, chenille, wool roving, and unconventional materials such as discarded headphone cabling and headphones.
By the conclusion of her residency on 28 November, Corin will have created a range of new woven materials for garment construction, gained skills in weaving and natural dyeing, and contributed to the creative life of the ATW studio.
National Wool Museum Senior Curator Josephine Rout said the prize reflects the Museum's commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and sustainability in contemporary fashion. "These designers are not only redefining style—they are helping transform the fashion industry into a force for good."
Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM:
Creative partnerships are essential to Geelong's identity as a UNESCO City of Design. Working with Australian Tapestry Workshop and Melbourne Fashion Week strengthens our creative sector and supports designers and artists to grow their practice. The National Wool Museum's collaboration with the Workshop is a standout example, celebrating craftsmanship, innovation and the future of textile design. Together, these partnerships highlight our City's commitment to fostering a vibrant, world-class creative community.
Padraic Fisher, National Wool Museum Director:
Our relationship with the Australian Tapestry Workshop is vital to the work we do. Their commitment to excellence in textile craftsmanship and contemporary practice continually inspires us. Through their residency program, artists experiment, innovate and expand the possibilities of fibre art. Interwoven: Fibre Art and Fashion is a powerful expression of that partnership, showcasing the creative outcomes that emerge when artists are supported, challenged and connected. Together, we celebrate textiles as dynamic, cultural storytellers.
