Image for Môi Điên lookbook. Courtesy of Tom Trandt Minh Đạo.
Australian Embassy in Vietnam, RMIT University, and Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts StudiesĐây/đó (here/there): cross-cultural craft and design exchange
(2021-2025)
Grace McQuilten, Rimi Khan, Becky Lu, Nguyễn Ngọc Thảo, Tammy Wong Hulbert
Đây/đó (here/there) aimed to develop long-term collaboration and exchange between craftsmen and designers in Australia and Vietnam. Through mentoring programs from Vietnamese and Australian experts, discussions, community interactions, and work exhibitions, the project brings together different design and craft knowledge to (i) address the skills gap between emerging designers and traditional artisans in Vietnam; (ii) showcase the skills and talents of artisans and designers in Viet Nam to an international audience; (iii) create income and trade flows across Vietnamese and Australian markets; and (iv) support the professional and long-term development of the craft and design industry in Vietnam and Australia. Project activities include improving the capacity of young Vietnamese designers through professional mentoring activities from Vietnamese and Australian experts and community connection activities such as workshops, discussions, and activities to display, introduce, and promote the project's design products.