Grant looms for textile trust (From Stroud News and Journal)

Grant looms for textile trust

THE STROUDWATER Textile Trust received the welcome news that the Textile Biennale festival to be held in May has been awarded a £2000 grant from the Arts Council this week.

The grant is to support the visit of Maka, a group of hand weavers.

The group, who met while at college, vowed to keep in touch and exhibit together. This group, however, were from different parts of the globe, so the likelihood of them actually fulfilling this ambition may seem remote, but thanks to modern communication systems, they have successfully built up an international reputation.

One of the group, Tim Parry-Williams, has a studio at Dyers Mill in Thrupp. He is proud of the fact that he is continuing a tradition of hand weaving in a place like Stroud, where the textile heritage goes back nearly a thousand years.

But it was in Japan that he found true recognition of his craft and skills.

Maka also consists of Japanese artists Nana Miyagi and Tazuko Saitoh, as well as Rezia Wahid

For Maka, their cultural diversity is a bonus, their passion for threads and fibre a unifying factor.

"For them to come to Stroud for the Textile Biennale, sharing the stage with other artists of international status, adds a particular dimension to the event which the South West Arts has been pleased to recognise," said Jane Ford, Stroudwater Textile Trust Co-ordinator.

"This recognition is very important to us. While we are always very grateful for local support, having the backing of such a respected body as the Arts Council gives the event more status."

The Textile Biennale runs in numerous venues around Stroud from May 14 to May 28. For more information, call Jane Ford on 01453 766540.