Textile artworks created by artists from Tauranga are on display at the 18th Friendship Quilt Exhibition in our sister city of Hitachi, Japan. This annual exhibition is part of a long-standing cultural exchange program that strengthens the connection between the two cities.
The artists who contributed to the exhibition this year are Jacki Barklie, Bobbi Summers, Steph Brooke, Kim Fifield, Darrinee Horton, and Kaye Lister. They used a variety of materials in their works, including handprinted linen, agar-based bioplastic, cotton sheet, ink, rescued window blind fabric, reused tea bags, and expired coffee.
The Hitachi City Hall team received glowing feedback from exhibition visitors, who expressed that Tauranga’s artworks instilled in them a sense of calm. The visitors also expressed their desire for the continuation of this fruitful partnership for the foreseeable future.
This annual project plays an important role in fostering a positive relationship between the two cities. Sister-city relationships provide an opportunity for people from different cultures to learn about and appreciate each other’s customs, traditions, and ways of life. This can lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of diversity, which promotes tolerance and respect. The relationship also promotes educational exchange, sharing knowledge of ideas and best practices within artistic processes, benefitting both communities involved.
Creative Bay of Plenty are responsible for sending the works to Japan each year; we invite all textile artists who are interested in participating in the 2024 round of the project to get in touch with us.
For more information, please contact: rose@creativebop.org.nz
