SOUTH AMERICA
Handcraft Workshop, Cultural Experience and Lunch
Friday 25th August, 10am – 3pm
Victoria University, Footscray Park CAMPUS, Melbourne
BOOK BEFORE 28 JULY TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
retreat|recreate is delighted to invite you to join us for this very special event in partnership with Casa Bonita – an independent, innovative, social enterprise which aims to empower and support local migrant and Latin American women to achieve financial independence, create thriving businesses and feel more connected to culture and community.
We’ll meet the delightful and inspiring Colombian-Australian founder/director of Casa Bonita, some of the CB team, two migrant women entrepreneurs who will be facilitating our handcraft workshop and the caterer of our delicious lunch of South American cuisine. We’ll learn about the cultural, social and economic impact the organisation continues to have on migrant and South American-based women and artisans and hear about some of the individual artisans who create their range of unique handcrafted products.
For many indigenous communities in South America and the Andes, macramé (an ancient technique combining knotting and weaving) is a form of artistic expression that connects people to their traditions, spiritual beliefs and cosmologies. Macramé patterns and designs represent the specific cultural and spiritual symbols of each community, often related to their landscape, local flora and fauna, mythology, ceremonies, rituals and ancestral beliefs. The cultural heritage of each indigenous group is preserved as this handcraft continues to be practiced and is passed down from generation to generation.
During our workshop, we’ll each create a personalised piece of jewellery – an amulet bracelet using macramé techniques and natural crystals. We’ll learn about traditional beliefs, macramé symbols and motifs, the properties of crystals and the use of talismans and amulets in traditional culture.
After our workshop, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch of South American cuisine(most dietary restrictions can be accommodated).
There’ll also be an opportunity to peruse Casa Bonita’s consciously curated range of ethical and sustainable handcrafted products, made using traditional techniques and native South American materials. Your purchases support and empower women artisans, however please be assured that if you don’t wish to shop, there is no pressure or obligation to do so.
We’d love you to join us!
Price: AU$260 per person (including workshop materials, coffee/tea and lunch)
Minimum group: 10 people. We’ve already reached our minimum group so the event is confirmed to proceed.
Maximum group: 15 people
Enquiries: email us at retreatrecreate@gmail.com
Location and getting there:
- Victoria University, Footscray Park campus, Ballarat Road, Footscray. Specific building and room location details will be provided to participants in the week prior to the event.
- Train + free shuttle bus service between Footscray station and VU (or approx. a 15 minute walk).
- Car. There is limited meter parking available on Geelong Road and the streets around VU.
Alternative parking is at Flemington racecourse and Footscray market rooftop carpark. Free shuttle bus service to VU from the Flemington Victorian Racing Club car park, Riverbank car park Footscray Park Campus and the Footscray Station/Market car park. Check the link for timetable and details.
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