IOTA is proud to announce the selection of 8 Australian artists who will travel to India to participate in two major international collaboration and research exchanges.
18 May 2026
Two Distinct Exchange Pathways:
Four artists have been selected for the Maitri Exchange, travelling to Delhi and Kutch, where they will engage with leading craft practitioners, curators, and community-based studios. This exchange focuses on knowledge-sharing, traditional and contemporary craft practices, and cross-cultural learning grounded in place.
A further four artists will travel to West Bengal as part of the Asim Waqif collaboration, contributing to the development of a major new participatory installation for IOTA in 2027, expected to take place in partnership with and at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA). Working alongside Indian artisans and Waqif’s team, the artists will undertake an intensive period of research, skills exchange and collaborative making, including engagement with the Durga Puja festival.
These exchanges will connect artists, artisans and communities across India and Western Australia, deepening cultural dialogue and material-led practice.
Selected Artists
Maitri Exchange (Delhi & Kutch):
Asim Waqif Collaboration (West Bengal):
Building Long-Term Cultural Exchange & Connections
These exchanges form a key part of IOTA’s development program leading into IOTA27, enabling artists to build international networks, expand their practice through material experimentation, and contribute to ambitious new work.
Executive Director Carola Akindele-Obe said:
“These exchanges are about more than travel — they are about building meaningful, long-term relationships between artists, communities and cultures across the Indian Ocean region. Through shared making and knowledge exchange, artists expect to gain new perspectives that will resonate in their work and in the experiences we offer audiences in Western Australia.”
These projects are co-supported by the Australian Government through the Centre for Australia-India Relations, Creative Australia, and by the generous support of IOTA Ambassadors.
Interviews may be arranged. Enquiries: Dixie Battersby Publicity, media@indianoceancrafttriennial.com / +61 413 382 201
Australian Artists Maitri Exchange (Delhi & Kutch)
India has been a key partner for IOTA, strengthened through the Maitri Cultural Partnership supported by the Centre for Australia–India Relations and the IOTA Ambassadors’ Exchange Fund.
In October 2025, IOTA Curatorium members Zali Morgan and Sharmila Wood travelled through Kerala, Jaipur and New Delhi, meeting artists, curators and institutions, including the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
The visit reinforced the central role of craft across cultural, social and economic life. As Sharmila Wood reflects:
“Craft isn’t marginal in these contexts. It’s central to culture, to economy, to identity. Maitri means friendship, connection, mutual respect.”
The exchange has already led to new partnerships, residency pathways and opportunities for co-commissioning—demonstrating IOTA’s commitment to long-term international collaboration.
Through the Maitri program, and in partnership with Indian curators Kallol Datta and Shaleen Wadhwana, four Western Australian artists have been selected for a residency in India. The program includes a craft gathering and symposium at Khoj International Artists’ Association, followed by a research-led itinerary in Delhi and engagement with artisan communities in Kutch in partnership with Shrujan LLDC.
Asim Waqif Collaboration (West Bengal) Project Team
Lead Artist: Asim Waqif with Australian Artists: Michael Barlow, Mike Bullock, Bjoern Rainer-Adamson, Monique Tippett
Asim Waqif is an internationally acclaimed artist known for large-scale, site-specific installations that merge architecture, craft and environmental thinking. Based in Delhi, his practice explores urban ecologies, waste and public space through collaborative, labour-intensive processes. He has presented work globally, including at the Venice Biennale, and is recognised for creating immersive, participatory environments that connect traditional knowledge with contemporary concerns.
Cyclic / Handmade Future (working title) is a major Australia–India collaboration for IOTA27 in partnership with PICA—an ambitious, large-scale installation co-created by WA artists and Indian artisans. Using bamboo, reclaimed materials and responsive digital systems, the work explores human creativity in a technological age and invites public participation. This landmark project is now seeking financial and in-kind support to realise its full potential.
This collaborative project is supported by Creative Australia and IOTA Ambassadors.
If you are interested in supporting the Asim Waqif project at PICA, there are a number of ways you can, please contact IOTA if interested: craft@indianoceancrafttriennial.com