Ku Arts Textile Projects
Ku Arts is heading to Larrakia Country for IFP at DAAF with Ku Arts Textile Projects - showcasing hand painted silk artworks that have been transformed into scarves, one-of-a-kind bags, and accessories. Alongside the wearable silks sits a deadly collection of pet accessories making their debut including dog bandanas, leather collars and leads.
Silk handbag | Puffer style by Kristal Matthews, 2025. Photos by Leah Menner.
Artists have been working towards this milestone presentation of works at the Indigenous Fashion Projects booths for Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair during a series of recent Ku Arts workshops. The EmpowerHer program in Galinyala/Port Lincoln focused on pet accessories - an opportunity for artists to learn new skills while embedding their artistic identity into functional design. Artists in Goolwa and Victor Harbour have been developing their silk painting skills over more than a year through a number of Ku Arts programs with renowned Ngangiwumerri artist, Pilawuk White and her son Niwili White Forrest.
Artists working on leather collars, Galinyala/Port Lincoln, 2026. Photo by Lavene Ngakotokura and Dave Laslett.
Leather collars by various artists, 2026. Photo by Leah Menner.
"There’s something really special that takes place when artists spend time with each other. Creating work and exploring new practices together is fundamental to Aboriginal ways of doing and being. These one-of-a-kind Silk Handbags hold this story of community while carrying individual maker’s artistic identity. Each silk captures a story, a memory of Country, and the essence of culture."
Hand painted silk artwork (before becoming bags and accessories) by group of artists (L) and Kristal Matthews (R), 2025. Photos by Leah Menner.
Silk handbag | Puffer style by Belinda Wilson, 2025. Photos by Leah Menner.
A major component of these projects was to develop business skills and provide new opportunities for participating artists. Six of the cohort will travel with Ku Arts to Larrakia Country for IFP at DAAF where they will set up the Ku Arts Fashion Projects booth, attend a number of exciting industry events, and sell their work direct to the public. Gaining experience in the retail of their artworks will provide these artists with confidence and knowledge to continue growing their practices.
Find Ku Arts Textile Projects IFP booth at DAAF from 6-9 August 2026
Darwin Convention Centre, Larrakia Country
Artists presenting work include:
Belinda Wilson (Ngarrindjeri)
Cathy Koolmatrie (Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Boandik, Paramungk)
Charmaine Morton (Yuwallaray, Kamilaroi)
Crystal Hirschausen (Kaurna)
Evelyn Walker (Barngarla, Navo, Wirangu, Ngadjuri, Narrunga, Kaurna and Ngarrindjeri)
Jenna Richards (Nauo, Wirangu, Gubran, Noongar, Ngaji, Balardong)
Katrina Doolan (Barkindji)
Kristal Matthews (Ngunawal)
Melanie Koolmatrie (Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Boandik, Paramungk)
Rob Berkovic (Barkindji)
Tesha Kugena (Wirangu, Mirning, Kokatha, Pitjantjatjara)
Vera Richards (Nauo, Wirangu, Gubran, Noongar, Ngaji, Balardong)
Images: Silk scarves by Jacqui Nannup, Charmaine Morton, Tesha Kugena, Jenna Richards, 2026. Photos by Leah Menner.
EmpowerHer was funded by by Equity Trustee’s Community Grant Program.
Silk workshops in Goolwa and Victor Harbour, and the presentation of works at IFP were funded the Australian Government’s Protection of Indigenous Cultural Intellectual Property Grant Program.
Maxxie wears leather collar by Jenna Richards, 2026. Photo by Lavene Ngatokorua and Dave Laslett.
