2023 price to be confirmed. Dates expected to be 12-19 August approximately
retreat|recreate is thrilled to offer this 9 day/8 night women’s tour exploring Darwin and surrounds through the lens of their ancient and contemporary art and handcraft traditions
Join us on this fabulous, immersive, small group adventure as we explore the traditional and contemporary culture, art and craft of Australia’s Top End!
Our tour will begin and end in Darwin, and take in a morning at the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair – the country’s premier First Nations art fair. We’ll also visit MAGNT (Museum & Art Gallery Northern Territory) for a private viewing and discussion of their collection of Aboriginal handcrafts from the Larrakia nation, hosted by a senior curator. This will be followed by a viewing of the stunning 2022 NATSIAA (National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Awards) exhibition. The works of art on display from the country’s most talented emerging and distinguished First Nations artists are extraordinary and this is an exhibition not to be missed.
However the majority of the time on this tour will comprise a multi-day, hands-on, fully immersive experience on Limilngan-Wulna Country with a local 100% Aboriginal owned, family-run business. With the women from this family, we’ll gather grasses and fibres on Country, learn how to prepare and dye the leaves with local plant dyes and pigments, before weaving them in a very special basket weaving session with senior Wulna weaving women. Together we’ll visit Merrepen Arts Centre, one of Australia’s premier (predominantly women) Aboriginal arts centres, specialising in painting, weaving, screen printing, etching and silk painting. You’ll be able to meet the artists and hear their stories, tour the facilities and if you purchase any artworks, have the pleasure of knowing that 100% of the profits go directly to the artists. And under the guidance of our hosts we’ll explore Kakadu, Djukbinj and Litchfield National Parks with their incredible rock art sites and natural wonders and learn firsthand about their cultural significance to the Traditional Owners.
Will you join us to experience all this and much much more, in the company of a small group of likeminded textile and handcraft enthusiasts?
Price to be confirmed
Inclusions:
- 9 days/8 nights accommodation
- Most meals (drinks not included)
- Transport: private coach, taxi
- Workshops and activities as per the itinerary
- Entrance to museums, galleries, studios, National Parks and other venues
Exclusions:
- Airfares
- Travel insurance
- Early check in or late check out
- Arrival and departure transfers (the tour begins and ends at our Darwin hotel)
- Personal spending
- Meals and drinks not specified in the itinerary
- Tips
The Top End Handcrafts tour was my first time travelling out of my State since the pandemic started. Our group of 10 women and leader Susan gathered at our Darwin hotel full of anticipation of the tour ahead. The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair provided an almost overwhelming feast for the senses with the quantity and diversity of art from many communities, and plenty of happy shopping resulted. The women artists who taught us their weaving and gathering techniques were very generous, and they shared their stories and knowledge of culture with us. We had many opportunities to experience the art of the Top End, and talk with the artists, and I feel enriched and inspired by it. Joy – Top End Handcrafts Tour 2022
I thought the Top End tour with retreat|recreate was sensational! Perfect timing for me with such fun activities and destinations. Travelling with like-minded people who enjoyed the same things made for wonderful company and a great time. Susan worked hard to accommodate our requests and needs as well as keep the schedule ticking along in a timely manner. We still had flexibility to fit in some extra things. Fee – Top End Handcrafts Tour 2022
retreat|recreate acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to the land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and their cultures.
retreat|recreate is proud to engage and support Aboriginal owned and operated businesses and organisations offering cultural and creative experiences wherever possible.
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