News & Activities
INEXTEX final conference and exhibition in Hungary
On behalf of the INEXTEX partnership the Somogy County government and the County Museum of Somogy invited the target groups to the final conference and the opening of exhibition to Kaposvar, Somogy county in Hungary on the 2nd of October.
The project´s place and role within the EU Lifelong Learning Programme and the project´s results as well as how these fit in the participating countries priorities and trends in this field, was the main subject during the conference.
The lecturers from the participating countries highlighted the importance of finding new ways of utilizing the regional textile heritage. The status of handicraft in Hungary was presented by president of national Folk Art Associations. Folk artist Angela Csapó talked about the experiences of the two INEXTEX courses in Somogy, and about the work as teacher for the courses with 14 female participants with weaving and dressmaking as specialty.
The textile collections at County Museum of Västernorrland, Sweden were presented by Bengt Edgren, director of the museum. A presentation of innovative handicraft and artistic trends in Sweden was given by the Swedish INEXTEX team, designer Kerstin Lindström and handicraft consultant Ulrika Bos Kerttu. In Sweden designers already use the cultural heritage at museums as inspiration; a woven apron with rose pattern can become ornament on metal box or wooden tray. Computers are used as design in embroideries and as a tool to make new design.
The Muhu handicraft – a lively tradition in Estonia was shown with beautiful photos and the story of the woven, knitted and embroidered handicraft on the Estonian island by Kadri Tuur, director of the Muhu Museum. The heritage on Muhu is a big source of inspiration, also for the craftsmen in different parts of Estonia and for foreigners.
The renewal of the industrial art of Sekler carpets by textile artist Ildikó Ardal and re-processing folk motifs and forms nowadays was the subject of the Romanian lectures on the conference. Ildiko Ardal showed a film and photos with her designed big woolen carpets with traditional Sekler designs and techniques. Folk artist Klára Bakó and applied artist István Esztány have been the designers for the Romanian part of INEXTEX. They gave a presentation about re-processing folk motifs and forms nowadays in Romania. There has been a great diversity in techniques and material in the Romanian working groups and the only man in the INEXTEX courses. The conference was attended by all the Romanian and Hungarian craftsmen and ten from a long distance Sweden and Estonia as well as all involved project administrators from the four participating countries, many decision makers and a lot of Hungarian interested guests.
After the conference the participants walked to the county museum where the Final exhibition was arranged. After the grand opening with many welcome speeches and beautiful choir the doors opened to the halls of INEXTEX crafts and the visitors walked through a portal to the exhibition. It was a very beautiful and impressive exhibition with 60 craftsmen from Hungary, Romania, Estonia and Sweden exhibiting. Every craftsman exhibited at least two pieces of craft, one product inspired by the own national heritage and one product with inspiration from the partner regions cultural heritage. It was impressive to see how the project has influenced the craftsmen in the field of design and colour. For example, the Swedish craftsmen have in the national part settled colours, dark and natural plant dyed. After the visit to Muhu Museum they enjoy colours and mix freely orange, turquoise, red and yellow. It was easy to notice the joy in the products from the second part. Hopefully the project has opened the eyes for ornaments and colours in the own cultural heritage with the help of the partner regions participants. The craftsmen wish the continuation of the INEXTEX collaboration. The participants in the project have received an invitation to spring 2010 to a Seminar and workshop in Hargita, Romania.
The next day the project members had Seminar on preparing the final reports.
International course in Estonia
Course period:
14.02 The visit to the Härnösand. Taking photos and making sketches of the items. Visiting the exhibition of the products of Swedish INEXTEX group.
19.02 At the first meeting after the visit to Härnösand the photos were shown that were taken in Västernorrland’s County Museum and the impressions of the visit were discussed.
26.02 Anu had prepared a short presentation on tambour embroidering that was used to make the traditional head covers. The stories of Märta Stina and Britta were repeated to those who didn’t visit Härnösand. The first task to everybody was to make a pin cushion in Swedish colours and decorations.
05.03 All the the participants got the CD-s with the pictures taken in Västernorrland’s County Museum. The participants started to choose the items they wanted to work on with.
09. 04 Discussion about the Estonian handicraft market and fair price with Mari Viik, who has run a handicraft development and sales project for several years.
16.04 The photo session of the ready made products. Discussion about the place of the exhibition.
23.04 The participants started to write their product stories
30.04 Preparations for the exhibition. Making the invitation cards for the guests. The participants finalised the product stories. Translation of the stories.
05.05 Preparations and setting up the exhibition.
08.05 Opening the II INEXTEX exhibition in Muhu School. The local press and representatives of the local municipality were present.
The exhibition was open during the whole month of May, and in June. The concluding seminar of the course and of the curriculum development took place on June 2nd, 2009.
Start date: 2009-02-05
Close date: 2009-01-30
Dates of course seminars: 2009-02-05, 2009-02-11, 2009-02-14, 2009-02-19,2009-02-26, 2009-03-05, 2009-03-12, 2009-03-19, 2009-03-26, 2009-04-02, 2009-04-16, 2009-04-23, 2009-04-30, 2009-05-06, 2009-05-08, 2009-06-02
The Second INEXTEX Course
05.02 First meeting after the exhibition. The participants discussed their feelings and impressions of the exhibition and the opening of the exhibition. Participants filled the evaluation list prepared by Anu. All the participants expressed their satisfaction with the course. Most of the participants were happy to learn some new approach or technique. Discussion of the preparations of meeting Swedish INEXTEX group.
11.02 The ladies filled the external evaluator’s evaluation form and the form that was compiled by Anu. Preparations for the trip to Härnösand.
14.02 The visit to the Härnösand. Taking photos and making sketches of the items. Visiting the exhibition of the products of Swedish INEXTEX group.
19.02 At the first meeting after the visit to Härnösand the photos were shown that were taken in Västernorrland’s County Museum and the impressions of the visit were discussed.
26.02 Anu had prepared a short presentation on tambour embroidering that was used to make the traditional head covers. The stories of Märta Stina and Britta were repeated to those who didn’t visit Härnösand. The first task to everybody was to make a pin cushion in Swedish colours and decorations.
05.03 All the the participants got the CD-s with the pictures taken in Västernorrland’s County Museum. The participants started to choose the items they wanted to work on with.
The first INEXTEX exhibition was taken down.
12.03 Mai gave all the participants enlarged photos of the items they had chosen. All the participants started to make the table of their personal choice of colours they had seen in Västernorrland’s County Museum.
19.03 The participants copied the motives they intended to use in their product.
26.03 Studies of techniques and work with motifs. The first products were ready. First results of the product development were presented. Riste had designed a textile wall pocket decorated in appliqué technique. Laine had some sketches of the patterns of the church bags she was inspired of in Murberget. There were also some ready made pin cushions in Swedish style.
02.04 Work with the products and individual consultations with Anu. There were more finished products brought to show. Piret had designed some pincushions in Swedish colours. Anu gave some ideas for the final design.
09. 04 Discussion about the Estonian handicraft market and fair price with Mari Viik, who has run a handicraft development and sales project for several years.
16.04 The photo session of the ready made products. Discussion about the place of the exhibition.
23.04 The participants started to write their product stories
30.04 Preparations for the exhibition. Making the invitation cards for the guests. The participants finalised the product stories. Translation of the stories.
05.05 Preparations and setting up the exhibition.
08.05 Opening the II INEXTEX exhibition in Muhu School. The local press and representatives of the local municipality were present.
The exhibition was open during the whole month of May, and in June. The concluding seminar of the course and of the curriculum development took place on June 2nd, 2009.
The Final Seminar of the II INEXTEX Course and Exhibition
The final seminar took place in Liiva, on 02.06.2009. The opening words were by the head of Muhu Museum, Kadri Tüür, who has been the co-ordinator of the project implementation in Muhu. The importance of international experience in the development of the local craftspeople’s skills was emphasised.
The presentations were made by the people who had been intensely involved in the implementation of the curriculum development and carrying out of the course.
Asta Sepp and Mai Meriste both participated in the courses. They both are responsible for keeping small handicraft shops – Asta has her personal handicraft shop in Piiri, and Mai started to run the souvenir kiosk of Muhu Museum immediately after the completion of the courses. They spoke about their experiences and expectations in the field of selling handicratf as souvenirs. It is important that each product has its personalised story, and that it would be possible to indicate the particular person who is behind the production of it. Then the sales numbers are better, too.
The course leader Anu Kabur continued on the theme, stessing the importance of documenting one’s own innovation process by means of sketches, texts, and photographs of the production process.
The curator of Muhu Museum’s collections, Eda Maripuu, gave an overview of the concerns of the person responsible for the items preserved in museums. It is very positive if they are revived, but as they are very old and valuable, they must be handled with care, ant not exposed to bright light, human sweat, etc., that may harm their condition.
After the coffee break the student of Viljandi Cultural Academy, Talvi Sarapu, who is originally from Muhu island, introduced the study tasks and the methodology that they use in their applied university curricula in connection with the innovative treatment of ethnographic textiles and other items. She especially focused on the possibility of using the Swedish ethnographic material in her seminar works.
The course participant Eva-Lisa Kollo has collected old ethnographic textiles for years into her private collection. Her talk focused on the possibilities of cleaning, restoring, and exhibiting old ethnographic textiles at one’s private home. Some examples of severely damaged items were presented and their possible handling was discussed.
The seminar was concluded with a free-form roundtable discussion about the possibilities of bringing the textile heritage to our contemporary world and to people’s everyday lives. The decisions, which parts of the supplementary material should be recommended for the final curriculum, were also made during the final seminar roundtable discussion. The picnic was followed, helped to strengthen the feeling of the group even further.
It was evidently an important factor of success that most of the course participants knew each other previously, and the collegial and mutually supportive atmosphere was not difficult to create. The mutual support involved not only the course participants, but the course leaders and the administrative staff also.
International course in Romania
INEXTEX International course report in Romania
Participants were given as an exercise to cut up cardboard color models, which then assemble it on other colored cards. Then on a wet paper using crayons each was able to draw the desired pattern, which put together formed a whole.
The Regional Conference were reviewed differences, so course leaders and the course participants were analyzed the results, each had the opportunity to opinion on the development and course of seminars, to share impressions with participants in the seminar. Also as a conclusion of the conference has brought a desire to continue in a form or another, formalized or informal the started work. For this reason we agreed assist on the Conference and the final exhibition organized in Hungary, and after returning home to meet to discuss the possibilities for follow-up.
1st seminar
In the first part, we discussed about the first semester: what went good and which were the negative aspects. Resuming last year’s experiences, we`d like to put an accent on small sketches and more planning, which will afterwards be followed by finishing the work. As a sum-up of the past courses: participants need to improve their creativity, through creative space vision, drawing. Another positive aspect is that participants are now far more relaxed during classes than earlier.
A negative issue can be considered that experiencing new things and techniques was a bit left behind, that is the reason why most of the participants were not able to depart from their usual techniques.
We also had a discussion on the first regional exhibition: everyone was satisfied with the content and process of the exhibition and the positive feedback received from participants.
The study visits organized by both Hungarian and Romanian partners were very inspiring: they had the occasion to mutually meet and share their works.
At the end of the course, we gathered the photos from the Hungarian material and forwarded it on CD to those participants, who didn`t have enough inspiration material for the next course sessions.
2nd seminar
Drawing exercises. Drawing patterns on smaller pieces of paper, with several techniques. Modulating the pattern, with the help of practical exercises with the purpose to make possible a free drawing exercise and to really „feel” the drawing and planning activity. The aim of this exercise would be the focus on the first creative steps of planning and preparation rather than the final product itself.
3rd seminar
During the first part of the seminar, production processes had been presented through a short slide-show of pictures for a better understanding of why there is a need for so many small sketches for a planning process. During the second half of the seminar, we had several other drawing exercises on larger sheets of papers in order to have more space for new ideas and paintings. The essential in this process is not always to have clear shaped, precise drawings, but also to be able to present their ideas and feelings, which can be imported to their final products.
Homework: prepare sketches, plans!
4th seminar
After finishing some sketches, individual consultations and discussions followed with course participants concerning their future plans, and project ideas they want to realize.
5th and 6th seminar
Participants continued to experiment with design patterns. The expert designers encouraged participants to have the courage to play with models, try to draw more variations, create the opportunity to choose among several options for the final product.
Participants were given as an exercise to cut up cardboard color models, which then assemble it on other colored cards. Then on a wet paper using crayons each was able to draw the desired pattern, which put together formed a whole.
7th seminar
In the seventh course were individual consultations. Participants addressed the current leaders with questions about semi-finished products, and have received guidance and advice as to precede able to perform more work to play just artisan ideas how to improve performance, quality and aesthetics.
In the seventh course were individual consultations. Participants addressed the current leaders with questions about semi-finished products, and have received guidance and advice as to precede able to perform more work to play just artisan ideas how to improve performance, quality and aesthetics.
Also during this meeting took materials purchased by partner institutions.
8th seminar
On the eighth seminar continued individual consultations. Course participants have submitted their products in various stages of completion. Consultation took place both between artisan and course leaders and the artisans. All these have contributed to the improvement works.
9th seminar
Artisans were presented with finished products, they have taught the course tutors, who took and passed the design products of the second regional exhibitions.
Conference and the second regional exhibition 2009.06.29
Both were held at the Council Members, on the ground floor administrative building. Although not present those facilities designated room that was necessary exposure of original material (sources of inspiration in our case), and one can not say that was designed for such purposes, expert designers with partner organizations were able , with more work and more imagination to build an interesting exhibition, exposing the materials made in the first and the second seminar.
8th seminar
On the eighth seminar continued individual consultations. Course participants have submitted their products in various stages of completion. Consultation took place both between artisan and course leaders and the artisans. All these have contributed to the improvement works.
9th seminar
Artisans were presented with finished products, they have taught the course tutors, who took and passed the design products of the second regional exhibitions.
Conference and the second regional exhibition 2009.06.29
Both were held at the Council Members, on the ground floor administrative building. Although not present those facilities designated room that was necessary exposure of original material (sources of inspiration in our case), and one can not say that was designed for such purposes, expert designers with partner organizations were able , with more work and more imagination to build an interesting exhibition, exposing the materials made in the first and the second seminar.
The Regional Conference were reviewed differences, so course leaders and the course participants were analyzed the results, each had the opportunity to opinion on the development and course of seminars, to share impressions with participants in the seminar. Also as a conclusion of the conference has brought a desire to continue in a form or another, formalized or informal the started work. For this reason we agreed assist on the Conference and the final exhibition organized in Hungary, and after returning home to meet to discuss the possibilities for follow-up.
International course in Hungary
Continuation of the autumn course report
6th course – 29 November 2008
8th course – 22 December 2008
10th course – 15 January 2009
Following the elaboration of the suggestions of the course leaders we could start the second course. More emphasis was put on the importance of the different phases of planning, possibly using even more exercises and models.
The craftsmen arrived with experimental or half-ready pieces. In several cases more variations have been prepared for one theme, thus we could make the selection easier, and make comparative analyses. During the work we discussed about further development of products, corrections, trying new ideas, which helped a lot to many to make the next steps.
During the joint consultations the craftsmen helped each-other with useful pieces of advice.
In the second part of the day we talked about wrapping, its role (protection, aesthetics, raising attention, giving information, etc.), about the connections of wrapping and marketing of the product, costs of wrapping, and about the importance of using environment-friendly and natural materials for wrapping.
7th course – 12 December 2008
The group members in the home work used the experiences gained during the joint work, so some of them could already show their finalized products. The works of the rest of the craftsmen have also arrived in the final phase. In many cases we jointly were looking for solutions for finalizing the products, their adjustment (endings, fillings, use of accessories), from which the producers could choose freely.
There was time for testing, trying of products, thus the possible problems could be solved with the help of new ideas.
In the afternoon we discussed price making on the basis of the curriculum.
We also discussed the tasks related to the exhibition with the ethnographer of the museum. The craftsmen also took part in the compilation of the invitation list.
8th course – 22 December 2008
Every participant brought their products developed during the course for the ethnographer for the exhibition. We jointly discussed the individual ideas about how to present the products at the exhibition. The craftsmen prepared a written summary of their products, with their thoughts, inspirations, experiences gained during their course work. These descriptions and the photos of the producers appeared next to the object on the exhibition.
The group members expressed their opinions, observations concerning the joint work so far, which can be used in the preparation of the next course.
9th course – 10th January 2009
As the final act of the first, pilot course, the exhibition was inaugurated at the Rippl-Rónai Museum. During the informal discussions at the opening it turned out that the work done during the course met the expectations of the professional audience and of the craftsmen themselves, too. We could receive positive reflections concerning the objectives and the importance of the project as well.
10th course – 15 January 2009
During the evaluation there was room for discussing the success of the project, as well as the possible modifications, problems with timing, additions, etc.
Following the elaboration of the suggestions of the course leaders we could start the second course. More emphasis was put on the importance of the different phases of planning, possibly using even more exercises and models.
International course in Hungary
1st course 26-28 February 2009 (Csíkszereda-Harghita)
Our task was to get detailed information about the museum collection. We collected patterns, took photos of the original objects and studied their description cards. The course participants received great help from the museum’s ethnographer.
2nd course – 21 March 2009
The next step was the joint analysis of the photos, observation and outlining of characteristics and the coordination of choosing the themes. The possible “white spots” (unused fields) were also mentioned during the discussions, together with the broadening of the fields of use of the products. We also were talking about the moral and ethical side of creative work.
3rd course – 04 April 2009
Planning tasks with simple raw materials in black and white. In the first step we used letters as motifs, so that the participant forget their fear of “destroying” the old, original motifs. Then the used methods were tried on individually chosen motifs as well. Using play games we examined the relation of one part to the whole, thus the craftsmen could realize that they can not make mistakes, they only give new context to the motifs.
We also tried to divide and fill spaces, and tried to draft the meaning of order and disorder. During the rhythm exercises we got confronted with endless varieties. With the abrupt change of motifs, visualizing them on different surfaces, materials, our intention was to dissolve the inhibitions of craftsmen, we tried to make them think in a more flexible way, and to encourage them to work more freely and bravely.
4th course – 10 April 2009
We discussed in detail the role of colours. The next task was the preparation of the colour mosaic. First we mixed colours, then we had to express feelings, emotions, mood, experiences and rhythms with colours. We moulded the experiences of the previous course with the use of colours. We also tried the possibilities of the spatial representation of the motif. In this task the chosen letter or concrete motif was used.
Our aim was that the craftsman now concentrates on the task itself, on planning, on the realization of the motif. This time she should forget about the execution possibilities or limits of her during her everyday work
5th course – 24 April 2009
On the individual consultations it turned out whether the craftsmen managed to build in the new tasks of the course in their designs or variations prepared at home.
As one of the possibilities of product development we were discussing about creating collections, groups of objects as well. We also talked about variations in sizes, forms, colour patterns or functional objects. These also gave the inspiration to make a further step and create new, innovative objects.
In the second half of the day we jointly discussed the important issues of the relationship of function – motif – used technique – used raw material.
6th course – 15 may 2009
We jointly examined and analysed the half-ready products. The participants came up with plenty of good ideas, solutions concerning each-others’ work. For the formulation of the end product we also discussed the possible customers, their needs, demands and possibilities.
7th course – 30 May 2009
The majority of the craftsmen arrived with their finalized products. There were some suggestions for changes, amendments, ideas for better solutions, which were used in some cases, of course only following the individual consideration of the craftsmen.
The importance and effectiveness of the joint consultations has been proved again. You could feel their positive effect on individual work as well
In the second half of the day we discussed our tasks related to the exhibition.
8th course – 19 June 2009
Preparation of the end-products for the exhibition, collection of written explanations.
9th course – 29 June 2009
Inauguration of exhibition at the County Hall Gallery
10th course – 3 July 2009
Joint discussion about the work done during the course, about the set objectives and the achieved results. We also examined individual motivations, self-judgement and individual creativity.
International course in Sweden
INEXTEX, International course in Västernorrland, Sweden
The welcome of the Somogy delegation took place on the 27th of February, the venue being the city hall. The welcome speech was held by Mária Mátéffy, followed by a PPP on the textile collection of the museum. Another point of discussion was analyzing and making photos of the previously selected collection textiles. The guests have also had the opportunity to choose their selves from the textile collection. This was made possible by receiving a DVD format of the materials in form of photos. The participants from Somogy had almost one week to choose, based on the received materials, which are those pieces they would like to take a look at and study.
Among the textiles to be presented, we could find textiles made out of wool, hemp and linen, decorated with different embroideries, household textiles and laces. At the same time, pieces of Szekler and Csángó traditional wear have also been exposed, making it possible for Hungarian participants to make drawings and sketches based on their ornaments and traditional motifs.
As an additional program, the participants had the opportunity to take a short cultural overview of the county, by visiting the Mózes wool processing Manufacture from Csikkarcfalva, and the textile exposition of the Zsigmond Mill Pension from Csikmadaras.
The next day, on the 28th of February, the course participants from both Somogy and Harghita had the opportunity for an informal discussion, in the frame of which they also could see the handicraft products that were inspired by the traditional motifs and ornaments. The afternoon program comprised of a visit to the Szekler Museum of Ciuc, where they could see the ethnographical exposition and also the museum`s current exhibition related to the Invasion of the Tartars, being guided by the ethnographer of the museum, Salló Szilárd.
In the second part of INEXTEX the four participating groups exchange inspiration and cultural heritage with each other. The Swedish participants exchange inspiration with the Estonian participants. In February the Swedish group made a four day study tour to Muhu museum in Estonia. The group travelled by air and bus and stayed at a hostel next to the museum. After the visit to Muhu museum they continued to Tallinn. In Tallinn the group visited many museums, craft shops and exhibitions.
2009 February 6, 9.00-17.00 at Muhu Museum Chapter 1 + 2
The visit started with a presentations and introductions to Muhu museum.
The Swedish participants took part of a lecture about textile traditions and heritage on Muhu. Lecturers where the manager and ethnographer of the museum. Afterwards the group studied the selected textile collections and discussed material, function, made sketches and photos of details.
Students and one teacher from the Art Academy of Viljandi presented and showed textile collection designed by the students. The students work similarly to INEXTEX participants.
The Swedish participants visited the local school where the Muhu INEXTEX participants had their national exhibition and a small sale of craft. The day was finished with a nice dinner with local touch. All participants and leaders joined.
Participating: 12 participants and 2 leaders from Sweden. 2 ethnographers from Muhu museum, many volunteers from the museum, the designer in Muhu INEXTEX and many Estonian participants. 1 teacher and 4 students from the Art Academy of Viljani.
February 14, Muhu visit to County museum of Västernorrland, Härnösand
The designer and leader of INEXTEX in Västernorrland and ethnologists of Länsmuseet Västernorrland presented the collections and inspiration material. The Estonian guests saw the cuffs, bags and gloves that belong to the Swedish traditional dresses and rya rags with flower ornaments and medieval church textiles from the collections. The embroiders from Muhu got special interest in the wooden ornaments and pained items.
In the program was included an exhibition and presentation of the Swedish participants products in the national part of INEXTEX. The project leader of INEXTEX, P1, Ilona Novak joined the day.
At the County museum of Västernorrland an evening program was held. The project leader of INEXTEX together with the Estonian and Swedish participants, designers and leaders had food and nice socialisation.
Participating: 12 participants, one designer and the director of Muhu museum visited the County museum of Västernorrland. Swedish P2 external expert the designer and handicraft consultant, 2 ethnographers and the deputy manager of County museum of Västernorrland showed the inspiration material. P1, project leader of INEXTEX joined the day for exhibition and evening program.
2009 February 15, 10.00-16.30 Chapter 3 + 4
The participants continued with their drawings and sketches with ideas inspired by the Muhu craft. They worked with black and white patterns. Afterwards they painted the colours the Muhu inspiration material had. They also cut Muhu designs in coloured paper and worked out new designs that way. It was a nice task as the Swedish participants had to work with completely other colours and designs they are not used to.
Participating: 10 participants and 2 leaders
2009 March 14, 10.00-16.00 Chapter 5
The participants had individual presentation of their works. The group decided they would join the presentations as the fellow participants consulted the designer. After the participant presented the product ideas, material, colour and form the designer told her ideas and afterwards the whole group could tell theirs. It is no problem in the joint presentation as the group feels safe with each other after the first part of the project.
The group planned the regional exhibition in June.
The painting task for the day was to make a mood-map, a map with colours each person felt most for at that particular moment.
The day ended with two female entrepreneurs who talked about running an enterprise with employees.
Participating: 8 participants, 2 leaders and 2 guests
2009 March 15, 9.00-15.00 Chapter 6
The day continued as the previous with presentations of participants’ works.
The group talked about the exhibition in Kaposvar, Hungary in October 2009.
The day ended with a guest, a successful textile printer. She made a presentation of her production and the long work to reach success. The printer has now after ten hard years work contact with dealers in Japan and is by now very successful textile artist in Sweden and in Japan.
Participating: 9 participants, 2 leaders and one guest
2009 April 26, 9.00-15.00 Chapter 7
The participants made individual presentation of the products in front of the fellow participants. Critic and applauses, the participants get inspiration from each other.
The photographer of the museum made photos for the exhibition catalogue of the whole group and individual. He kept innovative products for photos to the poster and individual presentations.
The group planned for the exhibition at the County Museum in June.
The day ended with a guest from Coompanion Västernorrland. The group got a lecture about starting cooperatives and companies and the difference between them. They also got a lesson in fees and other costs.
Participating: 8 participants, 2 leaders, one photographer and one guest
2009 May 30, 10.00-20.00 Chapter 8
The participants had to finish product labels, leaflets, visiting cards and packages. Press realise was written, thoughts about advertisement and invitations had to be worked out.
Everybody brought with them the products from the national course and had finished their products from the international course.
Participating: 8 participants and 2 leaders
2009 June 9, 13.00-20.00 Chapter 9 - 10
The day for Final regional INEXTEX Västernorrland seminar and opening of exhibition.
The INEXTEX participants arrived and a press conference was held.
The advertisement in regional newspapers and on the homepage worked out good. Plenty of guests attended the opening. The chairman of the County museum of Västernorrland Kenneth Westin and the director of the museum Bengt Edgren made speeches and opened the exhibition. A seminar was held with speeches made by P1, project leader Ilona Novak and handicraft consultant Ulrika Bos Kerttu. Guest speakers at the seminar were Ulla Oscarsson, ethnographer and editor Frida Arnkvist Engström. The seminar was attended by 75 interested guests.
The day ended with dinner at the museum for the course participants and the guests.
Participating: 11 participants and 2 leaders, project leader, 4 speakers and many opening- and seminar guests.
Regional exhibition 2009 June 29, 16.00
The INEXTEX regional exhibition was taken down and the participants collected their products and made an evaluation of the exhibition. The Swedish group had decided to continue as a group. They would work in a similar way as they had learned in INEXTEX, with a task and to meet each other for a joint presentation, to give and take critic and help each other further in the process. They like to meet at the County Museum but do not have money to buy help from the designer.
2009 October 18
The participants met at County Museum in Västernorrland for a PowerPoint presentation from the Final exhibition at Kaposvar Museum. A new task was presented; Ångermanlandsbrud, a traditional richly decorated clock at County Museum. The joint presentation is the 6th of December.
Visit of the delegation from Somogy to Harghita Council
The second exchange of experiences between Hungarian and Romanian course participants took place in the period of 27-28 February 2009. The venue of the meeting was the town of Miercurea Ciuc, which is the Municipality of Harghita County. The participants from Somogy were lead by Ms Simon Andrea, the administrator of the Rippl Rónai Museum`s ethnographical collection. In the meeting, there were 9 participants from Somogy; on behalf of Harghita County Council, the organizing staff was composed of Mátéffy Mária, Ábrahám Margareta, Miklóssy Enikő and Berényi Ágnes, and on behalf of the Szekler Museum of Ciuc, Salló Szilárd was hosting the guests. In the process of preparing the collection pieces, which were about to be presented, the two external experts contracted by the County Council and the other Romanian partner, had also a significant role.
The welcome of the Somogy delegation took place on the 27th of February, the venue being the city hall. The welcome speech was held by Mária Mátéffy, followed by a PPP on the textile collection of the museum. Another point of discussion was analyzing and making photos of the previously selected collection textiles. The guests have also had the opportunity to choose their selves from the textile collection. This was made possible by receiving a DVD format of the materials in form of photos. The participants from Somogy had almost one week to choose, based on the received materials, which are those pieces they would like to take a look at and study.
Among the textiles to be presented, we could find textiles made out of wool, hemp and linen, decorated with different embroideries, household textiles and laces. At the same time, pieces of Szekler and Csángó traditional wear have also been exposed, making it possible for Hungarian participants to make drawings and sketches based on their ornaments and traditional motifs.
As an additional program, the participants had the opportunity to take a short cultural overview of the county, by visiting the Mózes wool processing Manufacture from Csikkarcfalva, and the textile exposition of the Zsigmond Mill Pension from Csikmadaras.
The next day, on the 28th of February, the course participants from both Somogy and Harghita had the opportunity for an informal discussion, in the frame of which they also could see the handicraft products that were inspired by the traditional motifs and ornaments. The afternoon program comprised of a visit to the Szekler Museum of Ciuc, where they could see the ethnographical exposition and also the museum`s current exhibition related to the Invasion of the Tartars, being guided by the ethnographer of the museum, Salló Szilárd.
Visit to Murberget Museum, Härnösand
Estonian INEXTEX group visited Härnösand on February 13-15 th, 2009. The meeting with the Swedish partners took place on February 14th at Västernorrland`s County Museum. Our group was hosted by Ulrika Bos Kerttu, Anso Grahn and the members of Swedish INEXTEX group.
We were introduced with the exhibition and storages. There was a interesting lecture on the items that were selected for INEXTEX international course. Estonian ladies were very interested of the local folk art that they had to use in their next product. They were especially inspired of wooden boxes, painted furniture etc. As there was a leather workshop taking place at the museum the same day ,it was a bonus to see craftswomen at work. The highlight of the whole event was the exhibition that we were given by the Swedish partners. The products that the Swedish ladies had developed with great creativity were very innovative and tasteful. It was an important thing to learn for our group members that the product development can take only very little from the original ornament, and move freely to much greater abstraction. It was very interesting to compare and learn from each other as the Swedish partners had visited our exhibition as well.
Study visit to Estonia and Muhu Muuseum, Koguva village
in February 5-8 2009
In the second part of INEXTEX the Swedish and the Estonians are partners and exchange their textile heritage and inspiration material. Murberget, the County museum of Västernorrland and Muhu museum are similar and still different, on the country side and next to the sea. Murberget has a big textile collection and a big open air museum with many buildings. The main building is new and about 70 persons are working on the museum. Muhu museum has a small textile collection and a big open air museum with many buildings. The main building is about 60 years and there are only a few persons working on the museum.
The Swedish 12 participants, designer and a handicraft consultant visited Muhu museum. The group travelled by air and bus and the last half an hour by boat to the island. They stayed at a hostel next to the museum, very comfortable and warm, cosy with fireplace and candles in the winter darkness. After the visit to Muhu museum they continued to Tallinn. In Tallinn the group got inspiration on many museums, craft shops and exhibitions.
At Muhu museum we were presented to the staff and got an introduction to Muhu museum.
The Swedish participants took part of lectures about textile traditions and heritage on Muhu. Lectures where the manager and ethnographer of the museum. Afterwards the group studied the selected textile collections and discussed function, made sketches and photos of details. On Muhu museum everybody found something to get inspired by. The difficulty was to choose only a few items. There were shoes with decorated tongues, coats and jackets with embroideries and bedspreads with appliqué. Most of the textiles where decorated with birds and floral embroideries, even the striped skirts and mittens. We are very exited by the colours of Muhu, orange, pink, red and green. It was like to come to heaven for a pattern interested person. Everybody got enthusiastic and started strait to plan for new products we even didn’t think existed. The result of the visit are richly decorated and in a new colour scale printed fabrics, embroidered pillowcases and bags, knitted mittens with details in crocheting and embroidery. It is a colour happiness and vitamin injection I believe the journey is enriching the craft in Västernorrland.
INEXTEX national course in Västernorrland, Sweden
2008 September 27, 10.00-17.00 Chapter 1 + 2
2009 January 17, 10.00-16.00 Chapter 10
Presentations and introductions and Study of the selected textile collections and discussion of function.
Designer and ethnologist of Länsmuseet Västernorrland presented the project and the participants presented them-self verbally and with crafted items.
The designer and ethnologist showed the inspiration material.
Participants made drawings and paintings and photos of the museum specimen.
13 participants and 3 leaders
2008 September 28, 10.00-17.00 Chapter 3 + 4
Working with black and white patterns and Working with colours and colour theory.
The participants made different colour exercises and a big colour-wheel. They worked with drawings and sketches and decided what designs and products to work further with.
12 participants and 2 leaders
2008 October 11, 10.00-15.30 Chapter 5
Individual consultation about product ideas, material, colour and form
While each participant had private consultation with the designer the handicraft consultant, P2, had participants for consultation about material and technique for the product.
12 participants and 2 leaders
2008 November 8, 10.00-20.00 Chapter 6 + 7
Joint presentation of the participants´ product development and Continuing the production and pricing of products.
The leaders presented different possibilities and samples of wrapping and packing and the participants made many different boxes and envelopes. Everybody made a label and a small presentation of them self and more important facts about the product.
The participants made a table exhibition with there innovative products. They presented and explained the inspiration and the idea behind the products. The fellow course- friends gave critic and new idea-possibilities. Everybody has good progress in the work and feels satisfied with the products they are preparing.
To calculate a price of a product is an important but a difficult chapter for a crafts producer. Usually it is easier to make the item but very difficult to calculate - decide a price to customer and the retailer. With the material-price and the production-time it is easier to understand the calculation but difficult to accept all costs associated with selling.
Two experienced retailers visited the group. One in charge of a tourist office with a small shop with local craft and a curator from a gallery with art shop. The course participants got very good critic and new ideas for the future. The day was finished with a small meal and nice talk.
12 participants and 2 leaders
The leaders presented different possibilities and samples of wrapping and packing and the participants made many different boxes and envelopes. Everybody made a label and a small presentation of them self and more important facts about the product.
The participants made a table exhibition with there innovative products. They presented and explained the inspiration and the idea behind the products. The fellow course- friends gave critic and new idea-possibilities. Everybody has good progress in the work and feels satisfied with the products they are preparing.
To calculate a price of a product is an important but a difficult chapter for a crafts producer. Usually it is easier to make the item but very difficult to calculate - decide a price to customer and the retailer. With the material-price and the production-time it is easier to understand the calculation but difficult to accept all costs associated with selling.
Two experienced retailers visited the group. One in charge of a tourist office with a small shop with local craft and a curator from a gallery with art shop. The course participants got very good critic and new ideas for the future. The day was finished with a small meal and nice talk.
12 participants and 2 leaders
2008 November 9, 9.00-15.00 Chapter 8
Finalization of the products and exhibition preparation.
The group continued with wrapping and packing, labels and cards. The group is going to have a collective small exhibition in January 2009. The big exhibition is going to be in June 2009, with all products produced during the National and International part of INEXTEX.
8 participants and 2 leaders
Finalization of the products and exhibition preparation.
The group continued with wrapping and packing, labels and cards. The group is going to have a collective small exhibition in January 2009. The big exhibition is going to be in June 2009, with all products produced during the National and International part of INEXTEX.
8 participants and 2 leaders
2008 November 30, 10.00-15.00 Chapter 9
The participants continued with their products or got help with different tasks, the last meeting before the exhibition and invited guests.
6 participants and 2 leaders
2009 January 17, 10.00-16.00 Chapter 10
Exhibition in the national part of INEXTEX. The participants exhibited the products and made a presentation of source of inspiration and toughs about the products. Most of the participants made own table exhibition and some others chaired space.
P1 informed about INEXTEX and the further progress. County Council of Västernorrland and the Swedish Form participated with three representatives. The visitors gave good critic and tips about marketing and sale possibilities.
10 participants and 6 leaders.
P1 informed about INEXTEX and the further progress. County Council of Västernorrland and the Swedish Form participated with three representatives. The visitors gave good critic and tips about marketing and sale possibilities.
10 participants and 6 leaders.
Estonia
The 13 Estonian participants in Muhu started with an introductory lecture by the deputy director of Tallinn Art School, on September 27.
1st Course seminar took place in the museum on the 2nd of October. The director of the museum made a short introduction on the INEXTEX project and the partners of Muhu Museum in the project. The participants introduced themselves and some of them had taken with them some examples of their previous works. The participants can be divided to two parts according to their earlier education. 40% of the participants are graduated from the art school. The rest are women who are very skilled in traditional Muhu needlework. The curator of the Museum introduced how the museum textiles should be treated. The textiles to work with were chosen by the participants. The participants chose mainly the traditional head covers which was the original idea to use in the project as these items used to be traditionally very important details of the ladies costumes but now nobody even know it. This was real success as all the items proposed by the curator to work with, were chosen.
2nd Course seminar took place in the art class of Muhu Comprehensive School on the 9th of October. Course leader who is a textile teacher and expert gave a presentation on the product development projects she had been participated earlier. The curator gave a short overview of the textiles the participants had chosen. The course leader gave to all the participants the handouts and material they need too work with the textiles and explained the qualities of different materials.
3rd Course seminar on the 16th of October
The participants started to copy the patterns of the items and to try the different variations of the pattern in black and white. The leader showed an interesting technique to make patterns with the chalk. Those who had their qualification in art had already drawn up the fully color sketches of the textiles. The others were a bit frightened as their skills on that field are not yet developed. The leader consoled them telling that they can show their skills in the future when the real needlework will start.
3rd Course seminar on the 16th of October
The participants started to copy the patterns of the items and to try the different variations of the pattern in black and white. The leader showed an interesting technique to make patterns with the chalk. Those who had their qualification in art had already drawn up the fully color sketches of the textiles. The others were a bit frightened as their skills on that field are not yet developed. The leader consoled them telling that they can show their skills in the future when the real needlework will start.
4th Course seminar on the 23rd of October
The course leader gave a short introduction on colors and presented the color wheel. The participants started to work with the colors. Assignment was to made a chessboard with different colors (every square different color)
The course leader gave a short introduction on colors and presented the color wheel. The participants started to work with the colors. Assignment was to made a chessboard with different colors (every square different color)
5th Course seminar was dedicated to painting and drawing on the 30th of October. Everybody brought the sketches they had started to complete them. The group consists of 13 women who gather every Thursday for approximately 3 hours.
The group has met 5 times. After the 4th seminar the group has decided to take average of two gatherings for one chapter in the curriculum. They are now at Chapter 5 and plan to have the Christmas and New Year weeks for the final preparation.
Course in Romania
The Romanian partner from Hargitha has 18 participants in the course. The selection of participants was based on the first questionnaire from the dissemination open seminar and also another research (questions concerning their activities, main products, techniques) following the telephone discussions with potential participants.
Most of participants are women, this can be explained due to the very gender-related aspect of these particular handicrafts; most of them stated they are working individually and not as a member of some kind of organization/association. A significant number deals with dressmaking, but having also leather manufacturers and persons working with other techniques and products will confer diversity to the elaborated products and the exhibition. They are coming from different activity areas, most of them have professional knowledge and experience in other techniques as well. Most of the participants work as craftsmen as a full-time activity. Another aspect to consider is that the majority of the group has their own workshop, which is very helpful for the course.
The course started on the 25the of September with a preparation meeting with introduction of the project and the course and introduction of the course leaders and participants.
Each participant received a CD with photos of the selected textiles for studying.
Maps for each participant for collecting their sketches, drawings and notes were distributed.
Each participant received a CD with photos of the selected textiles for studying.
Maps for each participant for collecting their sketches, drawings and notes were distributed.
1st Course seminar on the 11th of October
The curator of the museum presented the museum's textile collection, based on participants’ previous requirements concerning which items they would like to study. The collection pieces were exposed in boxes; participants were able to make photos and drawings, sketches upon certain motifs and patterns they were interested in.
This was followed by presentation of modern textiles and discussion about textile design, participants had the opportunity to introduce some of their own works.
6th Course seminar on the 15th of November
This was followed by presentation of modern textiles and discussion about textile design, participants had the opportunity to introduce some of their own works.
2nd and 3rd Course seminar on the 25th of October
The participants learnt about functionalities and elaboration of plan sketches; they also received the Curriculum in national language and got a short overview of the activities they are about to follow during the course seminars. The materials needed for elaboration of different products have been procured and distributed among participants, depending on the type of product and technique they are developing. Participants had to be given advice on which motifs are considered typically Sekler ones, which are the design elements characteristic to this region.
4th and 5th Course seminar on the 8th of November
Participants worked on finishing the plan sketches and taking experiments on different techniques, colours and materials. They experimented with different colours and tried to analyze how their motif looks like in different colour schemes, using gouache.
The seminar was also presented in regional media by making a short video-report on the activities undertaken, the objectives of the courses. During the seminar, the experts introduced a short presentation on modern textile use in households or fashion items, in order to have an overview of ornamental patterns or folk motifs used nowadays.
The seminar was also presented in regional media by making a short video-report on the activities undertaken, the objectives of the courses. During the seminar, the experts introduced a short presentation on modern textile use in households or fashion items, in order to have an overview of ornamental patterns or folk motifs used nowadays.
6th Course seminar on the 15th of November
The seminar consisted of individual consultations with course participants. It began with a round table discussion to see how each participant has evolved with the product development. The consultations were open, so that every participant could comment or add suggestions to the others` works. The group tried to concretize the character of the exact products that are to be developed. The task of the next course is to bring experimental parts of product items and discuss them with the course leader, in order to see how these can be adapted to certain clothes or household textiles.
Seventh Course November 15, 2008
During the seventh course were reviewed products, which then were collected for the exhibition. Each craftsman has prepared several products for this occasion. Designers have chosen those products that they considered most suitable for exhibition. For those products which have not yet been finished, the designers gave them tips and ideas.
The eight course January 10, 2009
Since the last course of the first series, all have finished their products. Artisans prepared descriptions of their products to be displayed next to items in the exhibition from January 23, 2009. Also each craftsmen prepared a presentation, as a board with photos and description, to be displayed. The meeting ended with placing the products in boxes and prepare them to be transferred to the exhibition site.
Since the last course of the first series, all have finished their products. Artisans prepared descriptions of their products to be displayed next to items in the exhibition from January 23, 2009. Also each craftsmen prepared a presentation, as a board with photos and description, to be displayed. The meeting ended with placing the products in boxes and prepare them to be transferred to the exhibition site.
Hungary
The Hungarian course has 16 participants. They are embroiders, weavers, dress makers, felt makers and one of them is an art teacher. In the composition of the group we intended to involve the representatives of as many textile techniques as possible, who are at the same time professional creative artists of Somogy county and who can assume enough time for the elaboration of the Harghita and the Hungarian material, too. The age of the group members is between 35-65 years. One man and 15 women take part in the course work.
According to the preliminary coordination the group members prefer to have the course days on Saturdays, as most of them have regular jobs during the weekdays. The possible dates have been discussed with the museum experts. We had to harmonize the dates and time of the other events, programmes of the museum and the switches in weekdays, because of the national holidays of the given periods.
1st Course seminar on the 20th of September 2008 - in the morning.
In addition to the presentation of the curriculum the participants were informed about their tasks during the joint work.. The ethnographer of the museum shortly presented the textile collection, giving useful pieces of information to the group. The course leader explained the motivations of the pre-selection. The participants shortly introduced themselves and their activities.
2nd Course seminar on the 20th of September 2008 -afternoon
The next step was getting to know the chosen pieces of the textile collection. The participants examined, analysed and photographed them, then made some sketches about the pieces. They also asked questions about them from the ethnographer and the course leader.
3rd Course seminar on the14th of October 2008 - in the morning.
According to the curriculum the participants worked with the elaboration of the previously made sketches and pattern drawings – with black and white colours. The participants found interesting the way, and the new approach they used during working with the motives. The following techniques were used: copy paper, foil and copying machine. The cutting, the rotation, the raising, the omission, etc. of the patterns lead to interesting results.
4th Course seminar on the 14th October 2008 -afternoon
In addition to the short revision of colour theory and the mixing of colours the participants got a deeper insight into the effects of colours on each-other (colour combinations, colour contrasts, expression of mood and atmosphere etc.) The applied technique ( coloured crayons then water-colour on top of it) lead to relatively quick results for the expression of the above. Besides they were easy to analyze.
5th Course seminar on the 8th November 2008 - in the morning.
On the basis of the prepared sketches and drafts half of the participants had individual consultations. During the discussions not only the composition and the motifs, but also the technique applied for the elaboration, the choice of material, colour and spatial effects were also tackled. The other half of the group had another opportunity to examine and photograph the textiles, and they also received answers to their questions.
Seminar and workshop in Estonia, 1-5 April 2008
The forth project meeting has been arranged in Estonia and with a similar programme as in the other partner countries. After each partner representatives arrived to the island of Muhu by the first evening we had a gathering in one of the three bed and breakfast places where the project participants had their accommodation.
The next day started with a presentation of the municipality of Muhu which the museum belongs to. It was followed by the presentation of the Estonian partner organisation as well as its roll and experiences in life long learning, especially in the field of textile. Some of the invited students of the Viljandi Cultural College introduced a successful project on Muhu textile heritage. Many of the resulted beautiful new products based on the textile heritage of Muhu were illustrated. One of the founding members of the local handicraft association informed about their co-operation with the museum and their working methods to preserve and utilise their regional textile heritage.
The project partners had guided tour in the museum buildings and exhibitions. The host organisations, Muhu museum invited the target groups to the open seminar which was led by the Swedish experts like in Hungary and in Romania. There were totally 34 interested Estonian participants on the seminar. The seminar was followed by a vivid roundtable discussion about commercialisation of textile heritage in the partner countries.
The program continued the next day with the workshop about the museum´ s textile collections. During the project meetings the partners discussed different actual issues like economy, internal evaluation and communication methods for the next step which is to develop the curriculum. A draft of the curriculum´ s structure was presented and discussed by the participants. The project partners also learnt a lot about the Estonian culture, handicraft and traditions by visiting some local handicraft people and their workshops in Muhu and in Tallin.
Seminar and workshop in Hargitha county, 15-16 February 2008
The third project meeting has been arranged in Hargitha County, Romania. The programme has been similar as in Hungary and started with presentation of the Romanian partner organisations as well as their roll and experiences in life long learning, especially in the field of textile. They gave also presentations of their working methods in adult education and shared some practical examples in preservation and in utilisation of their regional textile heritage.
The host organisations, the Hargitha County Council and the Museum of Ciuc invited the target groups (people in interest, handicraft people, teachers, designers, etc.) to the open seminar which was led by the Swedish expert together with the Romanian experts. During the seminar the participants got information about the project and shared the Swedish experiences in the field of adaptation of patterns and techniques of textile heritage in order to develop innovative products for the recent society. Some of the products of two previous Swedish projects were demonstrated to the 74 participants in Hargitha.
The programme continued with study visit in the museum and with selection of the textile collection for the work in the project.
The project partners also learnt a lot about the culture, handicraft and traditions in the region by visiting some local handicraft people and their workshops.
Seminar and workshop in Somogy, 28-29 January 2008
The second meeting of the partner organisations is arranged in Somogy, Hungary.
During the seminar and workshop the Hungarian partners introduce their own organisations as well as their roll and experiences in life long learning, specially in the field of textile. They give presentation of their working methods in adult education and share some practical examples in preservation and in utilisation of Hungarian textile heritage.
The host organisations, the Somogy County Government and the County Museum of Somogy prepare the seminar and workshop. They invite the target groups (people in interest, handicraft people, teachers, designers, etc.) from the own region, and they choose the collection of textile for the workshop.
The County Museum of Västernorrland as the lead partner of this workpackage leads the seminar and workshop together with the Hungarian experts. The Swedish work-team shares knowledge and experiences of a previous regional project about the adaptation of patterns and techniques of two Swedish women from the 19th century in order to develop innovative products for the recent society. Some of the resulted products of that project will be demonstrated to the participants in Hungary.
During the project meeting the project partners will also learn about the Hungarian culture, handicraft and traditions.
Partner presentation
Kick off meeting,
Seminar and workshop in Västernorrland 17-19 December 2007
Seminar and workshop in Västernorrland 17-19 December 2007
The first meeting of the partner organisations is arranged in Västernorrland, Sweden.
During the Kick off meeting the partners confirm the project, set up the management and the working teams of the professional staff, define the communication, dissemination and exploitation strategy.
During the seminar and workshop on the 18-19th of December the partners exchange knowledge and experiences about their ways of contribution to life long learning in the field of textile. They give presentation of their working methods with adult education and with renewal of textile heritage.
The host organisation the County Museum of Västernorrland gives also a presentation of its previous project about the adaptation of patterns and techniques of two women from the 19th century, in order to develop new products of today. The resulted products of the project will be demonstrated.
During the seminar and workshop on the 18-19th of December the partners exchange knowledge and experiences about their ways of contribution to life long learning in the field of textile. They give presentation of their working methods with adult education and with renewal of textile heritage.
The host organisation the County Museum of Västernorrland gives also a presentation of its previous project about the adaptation of patterns and techniques of two women from the 19th century, in order to develop new products of today. The resulted products of the project will be demonstrated.