A small community of 1000 people is about to be known nationwide when Mornington Island hits the national stage at the Melbourne Fashion Festival next month.
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With a goal of going international, Mornington Island Art (MIArt) Designs will take their first step to launch homegrown artists.
The models will feature their new range of handcrafted wearable arts which the models constructed themselves.
MIArt Designs manager, Grace Barnes, said over the past year the models had been unstoppable, exploring a new dimension of art including fashion, with the artists taking the age old craft of felting with energy and vibrancy.
“We started experimenting with felting workshops back in December 2014, branching off to silk and wool felting technique called nuno felting. These works were embraced by Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) during July 2015,” Ms Barnes said.
“With the success of CIAF 2015, we set our eyes for VAMFF Cultural Program with the support of Beverly Knight from Alcaston Gallery and consultant fashion designer Grace Lee.
“We were then invited by VAMFF to showcase MIArt Designs at the Cultural Program and we are very excited for the opportunity to deliver home grown Mornington Island models into the national arena.”
MIArt Designs and their models will be featured twice during the Melbourne Fashion Festival, at South Wharf Promenade in Melbourne on March 3 and a special performance at an exhibition at Alcaston Gallery on March 8.
MIArt Designs will display high-end fashion at a national level and represent one of the most remote and disadvantaged indigenous communities in Australia; facing high levels of disengaged youth, long-term unemployment and prison admissions.
“MIArt Designs are committed to provide a sanctuary for artists and youth to carry on their culture into the contemporary sphere and sharing this with the wider national audience,” Ms Barnes said.
Prior to attending the Melbourne Fashion Festival the artists have participated in leadership programs that were run by the Deadly Girls Lower Gulf Leadership Program and practice rehearsals in Mornington Island.
MIArt Designs are seeking support from the Gulf community and surrounding areas to help support their small endeavour to the Melbourne Fashion Festival.
“MIArt Designs struggle in the economical climate and lack of funding. We are grateful for Rex Airlines providing discount tickets to allow our models to be part of the Melbourne Fashion Festival.”
If you would like to donate visit www.morningtonisland.com.au/donate/
