Goldring, who has worked as an artist for many years in an effort to work closely with the community in order to build lasting and meaningful connections, has received $6000 through a grant from the Regional Arts Fund to bring together indigenous and non-indigenous people on Dja Dja Wurrung land to celebrate the Regional Centre for Culture.

The focus of the project is cultural exchange fostering greater understanding, building protocols and improving networks. 

Practitioners will work collaboratively, share cultural experiences and discuss the function of weaving in their lives and in their communities. 

The forum will be opened with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony before guest speakers, including traditional owner Aunty Marilyne Nicholls, cultural advisor and artist Regina Pilawuk Wilson and award winning artist Kathleen Korda will speak about the importance of weaving in their lives.

Wendy Golden, life member of Basketmakers of Victoria, will also speak about her work.

In addition, Sei Sei, a refugee from Burma, will speak about how the Karen Community in Bendigo are working to reinvigorate lost traditions of hat and basket making.

The event will include facilitated discussion, participatory workshops and a community artwork to create an ephemeral artwork, Bunjil’s nest, lead by traditional owners. 

It will coincide with a three week art residency by artists from Durrmu Arts, who will travel to the region from the Northern Territory to share their skills and knowledge.

Weaving Connections: Basketry and Fibre Arts Forum will be held in September at Lot 19 in Castlemaine.