British Council and the SUPPORT Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACICT) are pleased to present New for Old, an exhibition showcasing the exchange and collaboration in craft and design between Scottish and Thai makers and designers hosted by the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.
An interactive exhibition, designed by London-based designers Studio Hato, will present the processes and journey of a collaborative exchange which happened in January 2016 at Kaewanna Natural Indigo Dyeing Studio in Phrae, Thailand. Blending traditional making techniques with contemporary influences, this diverse group of makers explore ideas of environment, sustainability and community within their work. The designer-makers span different practices, including woodworking, basketry, indigo-dyeing and weaving, and so represent a wide spectrum of hand-making techniques and traditions from countries which have craft making at their heart.
The exhibition will be brought to life through an exciting weekend events programme curated by Scottish ceramicist Carol Sinclair on the 14 – 15 and 21 – 22 May. Visitors will be given the chance to experiment with different forms of making and learn techniques first-hand from both the Scottish and Thai makers. All events will be free and open to the public.
Scotland-based designer-makers include Lorna Fraser, Sam Goates, Anna S. King and Naomi McIntosh. Thailand-based designer-makers include Flow Jewellery, Homlom Studio, Jetsada Studio, PATAPiAN, Pin Metal Life, Plural Designs, Thaniya and Vassana.
This exhibition forms part of the British Council’s New for Old programme, which aims to promote, support and develop the craft and design sector, helping to make it more sustainable and viable for designers, entrepreneurs and their communities. All of the designer-makers featured have undergone training, collaborations or exchanges with UK practitioners as part of this programme with the ambition to build long-term links between the UK and Thai design and craft industries.
In addition to the exhibition, the designer-makers will continue their exchange through a study tour hosted by Carol Sinclair. A selection of Thai designers will also present their work in an exhibition at Clerkenwell Design Week in London 24 – 26 May.
Further information on the exhibition and events
The exhibition will run 9 – 22 May 2016 is open to the public 10AM – 6PM daily at John Hope Gateway, Arboretum Place, Edinburgh EH3 5NZ.
Free public workshops and demonstrations will take place 14 – 15 and 21 – 22 May from 10AM – 6PM. For more information, click here.
A panel discussion on creative entrepreneurs in Thailand will run from 11.00 on Saturday 21st May. It is free and open to the public, but registration is essential. For more information please, click here.