Login
iscover
Defence uniform and equipment manufacturer Australian Defence Apparel has announced a collaboration with Indigenous Design Labs ahead of the National Close the Gap Day 2024 this month.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
Australian Defence Apparel (ADA) and Indigenous Design Labs (IDL) have agreed to run an eight-week training program with IDL creatives from the Far North Queensland-based empowerment program to work on fresh Indigenous art designs for ADA warehouse crew uniforms, as part of ADA’s Reconciliation Action Plan.
The program coincides with National Close the Gap Day 2024 on 21 March, the national day advocating for health equity of Australia’s Indigenous people and education about health issues and barriers.
“This pioneering partnership not only represents a groundbreaking endeavour in crafting new apparel, but also underscores ADA and IDL’s commitment to driving positive change and fostering cultural appreciation within Australia’s apparel manufacturing landscape, aligning closely with ADA’s Reconciliation Action Plan,” according to ADA chief executive officer Chris Dixon.
“Through innovative design, community engagement, and social responsibility, ADA and IDL are poised to set new standards for inclusive practices.
“This initiative not only provides valuable paid creative work and mentorship opportunities for young First Nations people but also injects funding into creating real-world opportunities for them to activate their creativity and upskill in the digital and creative design space.”
IDL founder and ingeous studios (supply nation registered business) owner Leigh Harris said IDL, established through partnership between NorthSite Contemporary Arts and ingeous studios, aims to develop the skills and experience of young Indigenous creatives in design and technology industries with a focus on graphic design, photography, video production, digital production, and experimental technologies.
“Indigenous Design Labs consist of a team of young creatives focusing on abstract and contemporary designs that reflect a diverse representation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures,” according to Harris.
“We view every opportunity as a chance to contribute to and expand upon the ongoing narrative of Indigenous design.”
Phase one of the collaboration will see IDL creating modern and contemporary print artwork applicable to uniforms, bringing a fresh aesthetic to ADA’s warehousing and manufacturing operational crew.
Phase two of the collaboration will launch an eight-week training program, integrated into a real-world uniform development project, where IDL youth will collaborate with ADA designers to develop a new clothing range from concept to prototype and manufacturing.
The launch will coincide with Closing the Gap Day on 21 March this year, amplifying the initiative’s significance and aiming to spark conversation around social cohesion and economic empowerment.
“We are passionate about ensuring equal opportunities for individuals in regional areas,” according to IDL Torres Strait mentor Sheree Jacobs.
“Partnering with a significant organisation such as ADA not only grants access to urban opportunities but also empowers us to showcase what is possible.
“This collaboration enables regional youth to access opportunities previously out of reach, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a brighter future.”
Sizing collation and fitting for ADA team members are set to occur in mid-May 2024, with final orders set for delivery to ADA HQ by mid-August 2024.
A launch event to celebrate the collaboration will see the Indigenous youth creatives and mentors being flown down to Melbourne from Far North Queensland at the end of August 2024.
“The ADA and Indigenous Design Labs partnership connects our shared desire to shake-up the clothing industry while amplifying the voices of young and diverse Indigenous creators,” according to ADA lead design manager Mel Suares.
“We are thrilled that these talented designers will be recognised for their exceptional work, which will soon be available for all of our local makers, teams, and broader community.
“This collaboration represents an exciting new frontier for young artists, opening up conversations that support Indigenous youth and create a world of possibilities for their future.”
