IOTA Ambassadors

IOTA Founding Ambassadors

Our IOTA Ambassadors are inspired visionaries who play a vital role in the exciting IOTA journey.

Our inner circle of supporters embody the diversity and creativity of IOTA and enjoy up close and personal involvement in its progress. This band of special people...

see IOTA's potential to connect people and cultures
understand the value of craft
and are eager to empower craft artists and artisans.

The Ambassador's Fund exclusively supports annual artist and curator residencies, exchanges, travel and fees.

GIVE AN IOTA: Join our inner circle of supporters.

As an IOTA Ambassador, you enjoy a deeper connection to the artists, ideas and exchanges you help make possible.

Curated experiences including exclusive exhibition tours, studio visits and artist talks
Invitations to IOTA VIP events, with opportunities to bring a guest
The option to join curator-led travel itineraries across the region (at cost)
Personalised updates and direct insight into IOTA’s development
Meaningful involvement in shaping the Ambassadors’ program
Recognition of your support across IOTA platforms (optional)
Opportunities to collect IOTA commissioned works

All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Joining contribution: $5,000 per annum
These funds directly support artist and curator residencies and exchanges.

2026 AMBASSADORS' PROGRAM

Enjoy a year-long program of exclusive engagement, both here in WA and internationally. Events marked with an * are exclusively Ambassador only gatherings. [Please note: Date & times are subject to change.]

Thu 1 OctoberIn partnership with Khoj, join the artists travelling from Australia and the pre-selected IOTA27 Indian artists for a day of sharing and discussion.

MARCH	Curator Tour: Thania Petersen exhibition. Sunday 22 March 2pm John Curtin Gallery	Join Lia McKnight for a tour of Thania's exhibition 'A call and response across the ocean'. Free entry. Tea & coffee.
MAY	*LAUNCH: Ambassadors' Program 2026 7 May 6–8pm Arrival Hall	Be the first to hear how the artist selection is going for IOTA27 and an update from the Curatorium about the short list of artists you will support for residencies in 2026.
JUNE	*BENGAL TEAM in Dwellingup	Join the artists who will travel to Bengal in October on a skills exchange, as they research local materials and brainstorm ideas.
AUGUST	DARWIN ABORIGINAL ART FAIR, DARWIN 2–8 August	Ambassadors are invited to join the IOTA team for a research trip to discover and connect with artists and gallerists, including Country to Couture, NIFA & Telstra awards.
SEPTEMBER & NOVEMBER	*Welcome inbound ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE	Join us in welcoming the next AiR in Perth ... dates TBC
OCTOBER	*CRAFT CO-LAB Delhi, India Thursday 1 October	Join the Australian artists and curators with invited Indian artists and curators at Khoj for a day of sharing craft practices and discussion. (Expressions of interest are compulsory.)
OCTOBER	*DURGA PUJA, Bengal, India	Adventurous Ambassadors: are invited to join WA selected artists and Asim Waqif for this huge festival in Bengal. (Expressions of interest are compulsory.)
NOVEMBER	CELEBRATION: end of year gathering. 12 November (tbc)	A night to celebrate all you have supported over the year, the impact you've made and to hear about what's next as we approach IOTA27.

IOTA Ambassadors & advocates. Photo: Ezra Alcantra

I became an IOTA ambassador because I wanted Perth to understand and embrace the uniqueness of its relationship with the Indian Ocean. What I didn’t anticipate is the beautiful relationships I have developed with its organisers, curators and artists. It has literally opened doors which I didn’t know existed.
FOUNDING AMBASSADOR, Jimmy Thompson.

How to become an ambassador

Make a tax-deductible donation of AU$5,000 per annum and pledge for the three-year cycle.

The Indian Ocean Craft Triennial Inc (ABN 90 705 472 375) is a registered charity, and is endorsed as a deductible gift recipient (DGR), confirmed by the Australian Tax Office. Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible under the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (ITAA 1997).

Simply click on the button below to pledge your support and make a bank transfer. It's that easy!

Join the IOTA Ambassadors

If you have any queries and want to find out more about how to accelerate your involvement in IOTA and beyond, contact our relationship manager, Mala Sujan: mala@indianoceancrafttriennial.com

Other ways to give an IOTA: Sponsors & Volunteers

In-kind support in the form of sponsorship of services and products or voluntary time is a huge part of how IOTA is delivered. Contact us if you are keen to contribute and would love to be involved in this fast-growing influential phenomenon of the Craft Triennial.

Curatorium, November 2025. Photo: Ezra Alcantra.

The Ambassadors Fund strengthens core support from Creative Australia, Minderoo Foundation, Curtin University and project funding from the Western Australia Government, Lotterywest, Centre for Australia India Relations and ASEAN-Australia Centre.