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Some people see things as they are and say why? I dream things that never were
and say why not? G. Bernard Shaw
Following the thought of the author of the concept of the creative evolution and richer
for the experience from the previous editions of the Festival, we are pleased to
present to you the 3rd World Wicker and Weaving Festival Nowy Tomyśl 2015.
New challenges, a riveting programme, spectacular show, extraordinary people,
innovatory ideas, tangible benefits – all of this awaits you in our small town.
A world class event in a small district town? Why not… - asked few years ago Andrzej
Pawlak – the founding father and hitherto Commissioner of the Festival, and thus the
Festival’s mover and shaker. In this way, by attempting the impossible, he initiated a
string of events which results in third edition of the World Wicker and Weaving
Festival.
(foto 1)
What can you expect during the Festival?:
The 4th International Weaving Competition for the Festival’s Grand Prix
(Foto nr 12)
The competition is the Festival’s central event. A proven formula of a two days’
contest allows weavers from all over the world to explore in a friendly atmosphere the
techniques and materials of other cultures.
This exchange of experience fosters the exploration of completely new areas of this
craft that has been known to mankind for several thousand years. In this way unique
works of material culture are created, that may be regarded as mankind’s cultural
heritage.
In line with the leading theme of the Festival, the competition will clearly prove to the
audience that despite living in the technological era of the 21st century humans are
at the core of this profession and their handiwork are irreplaceable. Those present at
the event will discover that basketry is a craft available to anyone who simply wishes
to learn it.
The competition will include both individual and team projects and will take the form
of a live event, although some works will be submitted by those who will not be able
to attend personally.
An international jury will judge works grouped in five categories :
• baskets
• furniture
• haberdashery
• artistic forms
• architectural forms
(Foto nr 2,3,4)
A Wicker Kindergarten
Do you enjoy learning new skills?
Now children will also be able to try their hands at weaving by participating in a
workshop organized especially for them. Professional teaching staff will help every
willing child to create their own wicker work in a few dozen minutes.
Why are we doing this? True to the leading theme of our event, every person is
important for us and workshops for the young make it possible to shape social
attitudes based on respect for handwork; moreover, they help spread knowledge
about basketry through educational entertainment.
(Foto nr 11)
Weaving display and international handicraft fair
The project was thought as an interactive event, where the craftspeople from different
parts of Poland as well as from all over the world will show live their skills. In the
town’s park a number of stands will be set up, where weavers will be presenting
various basketry techniques and materials as well as telling you about their products
and their home countries. There will also be Multimedia presentations.
The fair will be held each day of the Festival from 10.00 am until late at night where
you also will have the unique opportunity to purchase original, handmade items. Ecofriendly and surprisingly sophisticated in their form, colour and shape, the products
will surely delight everyone. In each piece of work there is a pinch of emotion and the
personal experience of its creator who, sometimes, comes up with really unique
works. The weaving display and the Wicker Fair are a must see for every person with
a dash of good taste.
(Foto nr 7)
Exhibition of the international project: Viva basket!
Viva Basket! Long live the basket! Basket weaving as a living tradition in the context
of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage –
is a project of the Serfenta Society from Cieszyn, which is a part of strategy of
revitalization of basketry as a craft carried out since 2009. The project falls within a
nationwide programme for the protection of vanishing crafts by the Ministry of Culture
and National Heritage, among others. Likewise, it is part of the current actions
implemented by UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage. Skills of traditional crafts are one of the Convention’s focal interests. The
project includes a number of actions, including field studies carried out in Poland and
Norway, International Conference, Outdoor weaving (Cieszyn, August 2014), popular
science publication, and a photo exhibition displayed among others during the 3rd
World Wicker and Weaving Festival Nowy Tomyśl 2015.
The project and the exhibition are carried out in partnership with two Norwegian
institutions – Søre Skogen and Sunnhordland Museum.
(Foto nr 9)
Exhibition of the traditional Spanish weaving by Carlos Fontales
The centuries-old traditions of Spanish weaving are extraordinary and impressive. An
exhibition dedicated to Spanish weaving was prepared by the well known and
respected craftsman and artist Carlos Fontales, engaged in his life in various
international projects, aimed at preserving the weaving traditions.
Exhibition of works by professor Jędrzej Stępak
A magnificent exhibition of works of this highly regarded artist, for whom wicker
became the favourite material of choice. The exhibition at the lair of wicker weaving is
a must-see for all of the visitors. It perfectly shows how to create an enormous power
of artistic expression just by using humble resources.
An exhibition of wicker, processed products and the equipment for harvesting
and processing wicker Agro Wiklina
This will be a perfect space enabling the members of the Polish Association of
Weavers and Wicker Workers who on the daily basis earn their living by cultivating
and processing wicker and willow material, to present their products. It will also be an
opportunity to talk to practitioners and exchange professional experience.
(Foto nr 5,6)
Open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 19-21.08.2015.
Setting the Guinness Record for the longest braid in the world
Motto: WE WEAVE THE WHOLE WORLD OVER AND WE BEGIN FROM NOWY
TOMYŚL
An absolute novelty, and a first, for the 3rd World Wicker and Weaving Festival. On
this occasion, weavers from Nowy Tomyśl and partner districts will weave a
wicker braid which will run along the streets of Nowy Tomyśl and connect the
World’s Largest Wicker Basket with the Festival’s central spot. At the same
time, it will be the longest wicker braid in the world.
Only on Sunday 23.08.2015
2. Discussion Panel: Weaving in the social context
The Social Face of basketry Discussion Panel, established by the Serfenta
Association and The Polish Association of Weavers and Wicker Workers will be a
meeting during which an international group of experts will present the advantages of
the handicraft. Weaving is something much more than just a craft. It’s an idea which
brings people together. It is a skill that helps people to communicate beyond borders.
It is also an excuse for a gathering, conversation and getting to know each other a
little bit better. During the forum we will listen to stories told by polish and foreign
craftsmen, we will get to know fragments of their worlds and will then consider how to
help them out? We will also try to answer the question whether this craft needs to be
protected, and if so, in what way? We will get to know inspirations, successful world
enterprises presenting how to utilize the potential of weaving, how to revitalize it and
discover for the world to see.
 Uganda Project, Jette Mellgren/ Jan Johansen (Denmark) – a project dedicated
to weaving and human rights
 Baskets 4 Life, Eva Seidenfaden (Denmark) – weaving fair trade Burkina Faso
 New Basket Workshop, Frances Potter (Zimbabwe/ Republic of South Africa) –
cooperation of craftsmen and designers in the RSA
 Knockout Design – Israel/ Poland – cooperation of craftsmen and designers in
Europe
 The social situation of polish weavers/ folk artists/ craft workers based on the
field work carried out by the Serfenta Association – Poland
 The UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage as a means of promotion of weaving as a craft.
(Foto nr 8)