A collaborative project led by the Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, the British Council, and the Enrique Zobel Foundation, with the Philippine Women’s University providing logistical support.
“Weaving Futures aims to develop a design process based on the long tradition of the handloom weaving craft of our local communities. This process will be unique to each participating community as it will draw from their distinct cultural heritage, knowledge, skills, and vision for the future.
This is not a course in weaving. Rather, it is a deep dive into the local and indigenous knowledge systems and practices of each community, and how these translate into particular weaving methods, motifs, and patterns. With a better understanding of the roots and design principles of the craft comes an appreciation for its role in community-building and in securing the continuity of cultural traditions.
More significantly, it will be an exchange of knowledge and practice among The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, its artists and artisans, and those of communities in the Philippines, supported by partner organizations, that represent the oldest cultures with living traditions. There will be much to learn from one another.”
Several weaving communities and local partners joined the workshop such as the Kiyyangan Weavers Association (KIWA) from Ifugao, Save the Ifugao Terraces Movement (SITMO), The Kulibanbang Weavers from Benguet, The Cordillera Textiles Project (CordiTex) from UP Baguio, Serukadang Menuvu Tribal Organization (SMTO) from Don Carlos, Bukidnon, The Samdhana Institute from Bukidnon, Sunrise Weaving Association from Ibaan and the Ibaan local government.
The three-day workshop which started last June 16 to 18 was held via zoom from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The Museo Kordilyera gathered the Kulibangbang weavers in the Orchard Hotel providing them transportation to and from their homes in Bayabas, La Trinidad. Snacks and dinner were also provided for the participants.
The workshop also gave the participants kits that contained materials needed for the activities and assignments given in the lectures.
The lectures that were delivered by professors from the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in the UK were translated live by Dr. Analyn Salvador-Amores in Ilocano for the weavers. The lectures also had drawing exercises and pattern making using flowers, leaves, seeds and other materials found in nature.
