Crafting Tradition: Exploring the Art of Kōrari Paper-Making
The kōrari paper-making workshop took place on 20 May 2024. It blended traditional Harakeke/kōrari techniques with modern technology to teach participants to create magical paper products.
This workshop, delivered in an authentically cultural setting, was facilitated by Reva Mendes, founder of Korari Enterprises, an organisation supported by the Awhi Incubator Project.
Contact us if you are interested in attending a workshop like this in the future. Reva will be delivering these from June 2024 onwards.
The Context
Reva is passionate about sustainable economic development for her community. Her research in kōrari/harakeke paper-making has connected her to various organisations and crafters around Aotearoa. Many have generously contributed knowledge, skills and tools to support her vision to source and process kōrari/harakeke in a sustainable and environmentally friendly method.
Reva’s new business, Kōrari Enterprises, sells handmade paper and delivers workshops for people to learn this craft. AwhiWorld has been proud to help Reva’s vision come to life alongside funding from the Ministry of Culture and Heritage’s Seed Fund.
About Reva Mendes
Reva Mendes, he wāhine nō te kāinga ō Hokianga. She is a contemporary mixed-media
Māori artist whose background is in traditional Māori weaving and Fibre Arts. Reva is based in Te Tai Tokerau, living in Rawene, South Hokianga, and works collaboratively within Toi Māori and hapū as well as local community arts, education and development.
For more about her work see the Alternative Reality Gardening symposium and publication.
About ARG Lab 24 & Awhi Incubator
This experience was part of the Alternative Reality Gardening Lab – a creative innovation event within the capacity-building Awhi Incubator Project. ARG Lab 24 showcased research conducted by participants and collaborators of the Awhi Incubator during 2023/2024.
Following a successful publication and symposium in 2023, ARG Lab 24 is a transdisciplinary collection of exhibitions, events, performances, workshops, and talks exploring diverse perspectives on place. It occurred in various locations across Te Tai Tokerau|Northland from May 17th to the 25th.
Some sessions were designed to build capacity within targeted communities, while others were open to the general public and welcomed all interested parties.
Underpinning the lab were themes of resilience, diversity, sustainability, and an expanded understanding of the concept of ‘place”.
ARG Lab 24: TV
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Thanks to the Ministry of Culture and Heritage | Manatū Taonga for funding the Awhi Incubator Project through their Innovation Fund.