Meet Slow Art Collective, the artistic collective behind the Takenoko Weave House

Hi Chaco and Dylan, tell us a bit about yourselves! Can you introduce us to Slow Art Collective?

We’re Slow Art Collective, a group that focuses on sustainability, collaboration and slowing down the creative process. Our work brings together different art practices like weaving, installation, community projects and sound creation — all centered around environmental ethics like using reclaimed materials and DIY culture.

How was Slow Art Collective formed and what are some of the principles behind the collective?

Slow Art Collective was formed in 2009 by four artists who shared a passion for a more process-driven, experimental approach to art-making.

Our goal was to create a space for sharing rather than selling, moving away from the vertical, capitalistic art market. Instead of selling artwork like paintings or sculptures, we focused on offering platforms where people could engage with the process.

Our first major project involved using 15 tons of recycled materials and e-waste to create a public installation. It was exhausting, but it set the tone for our work, and since then, we’ve received many opportunities to create public spaces for people to experience art in new ways.

What are some of the different projects that you’ve worked on in the past as Slow Art Collective?

As Slow Art Collective, we’ve worked on a wide range of temporary public art projects that invite the public to actively participate in creating the installations. These projects have taken place in locations such as Fed Square, art institutions like museums and galleries, art festivals, biennales, community events and council-led festivals. We also have a semi-permanent installation at the Slow Art Centre in Nagoya, Japan, which reflects our commitment to creating engaging, long-term spaces for creativity.

In addition to public spaces, we frequently collaborate with schools and universities as part of their curriculum, working with students to co-create art projects that emphasise process-driven learning.

Some of our recent commissioned projects include: Tokyo Biennale, Exploratorium in San Francisco, TarraWarra Museum of Art, McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, Powerhouse Museum, MPavilion (Botanic Garden, Monash University, and Docklands), NGV and Gertrude Contemporary.

Tell us about the Takenoko Weave House at Fed Square. What can people do and how can you get involved?

Takenoko Weave House at Fed Square features a large structure made from thick bamboo, inspired by the playful creations of school kids. We took that idea and transformed it into a large scale installation where people can actually enter and experience it.

Takenoko is a Japanese term meaning “young bamboo shoot,” symbolising youthful energy and vitality. Inside the Weave House, you’ll have the opportunity to weave and tie with repurposed yarn, contributing to the creation of this interactive space.

We are hoping that people use this space, not only to do weaving, but also relax on the beanbags with a coffee. There will be a collection of some magazines for you!

The installation is open from 23 September – 6 October, and there are workshops during this time too. What activities happen during the workshops and what can you learn?

Participants will have the chance to work with a variety of materials that we provide, such as dowels for creating structures, sound elements like metal plates and bells to hang throughout the installation, magnets for attaching large fabrics, ropes for tying things together, bamboo canes, milk crates, and more.

The workshops encourage imagination and free play! You can learn about basic weaving or tying techniques, how to construct temporary installations, and just enjoy the time with other people creating together.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with others, experiment with different materials, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Takenoko Weave House.

What feelings or experiences do you hope that people will get out of the Takenoko Weave House?

Just enjoy the moment! Don’t worry about the outcome and end result – just experiment and find your own slow moment of creation.

Visit the Takenoko Weave House in the Atrium at Fed Square until Sunday 6 October. Workshops take place on Wednesday 2 October and Saturday 5 October. To book into a workshop, register here.