Celebrating cultural diversity through fashion and exploring the rich tapestry of global style in Wyndham.
Wyndham Arts and Culture is partnering with Wunder Gym to present the Tapestry of Culture Wearable Art & Fashion Incubator program. The program will support 20 creatives to develop and show a wearable artwork as part of the 2027 PayPal Australian Fashion Festival, runway event at venue TBC.
The program runs over 21 weeks from Sunday 1 November 2026 until Sunday 29 March 2027. Participants will experience a jam-packed program learning from some of Melbourne fashion’s greats including presentations from fashion designers Jude Ng, Corin Corcoran, Baaqiy, as well as a presentation from PayPal Australian Fashion Festival’s Programming & Events Executive, Sai Wai Foo.
The Tapestry of Culture Wearable Art & Fashion program is designed to showcase the beauty and significance of clothing across different cultures. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their unique styles and narratives woven into every garment.
We are inviting artists with a broad range of experience in different mediums and methodologies to submit an Expression of Interest. Twenty successful artists will be selected by a panel to participate in the 21-week program.
As with the Tapestry of Culture programming to date, Wunder Gym continues to support commitment to cultural sensitivity and respectful representation and build on journeys of exploration, appreciation, and celebration of cultural diversity through the universal language of fashion.
Participation is free and includes a materials stipend to each artist to contribute to material costs. Participants are required to commit to the entire programs' activities.
Online Information and Q & A sessions will be held on:
Deliverables
- Participants will be required to create a ‘wearable artwork’ garment that will be presented on a runway by the artist or someone the artist selects to walk in the Melbourne Fashion Festival showcase.
- Participants need to be available to commit to full November 2026 – March 2027 program dates.
Key dates
| 1. | Program Expressions of Interest (EOI) open | Open Monday 29 June 2026 |
| 2. | EOI | Closes 11.59pm, Monday 19 October 2026 |
| 3. | Program information sessions |
2 x program online info sessions -Sunday 13 September 5-6pm |
| 4. | EOI application closing deadline | Close Monday 19 October 11.59pm 2026 |
| 5. | Panel selection | Thursday 22 October 2026 |
| 6. | Participants invited & enrolled | Friday 23 October 2026 |
| 7. | Program commences | Sunday 1 November 2026 |
| 8. | Program completed | Sunday 29 March 2027 (21 weeks total delivery) |
Session Details
- Week 1 Sunday 1 Nov 2026: Event Online: Program on-boarding Zoom, hosted/recorded by AW 7pm – 8pm
- Week 2 Sunday 8 Nov 2026: Email/Slack: Ongoing online support, program ref. & info via email & group Slack
- Week 3 Sunday 15 Nov 2026: Event IRL: Speaker #1 Jude Ng at Wyndham Civic Centre 10am – 12.30/1pm (3hrs)
- Week 4 Sunday 22 Nov 2026: Email/Slack: Ongoing online support, program ref. & info via email & group Slack
- Week 5 Sunday 29 Nov 2026 Event IRL: Speaker #2 Corin Corcoran at Wyndham Civic Centre 10am – 12.30/1pm (3hrs)
- Week 6 Sunday 6 Dec 2026: Email/Slack: Ongoing online support
- Week 7 Sunday 13 Dec 2026: Event IRL: Speaker #3 BAAQIY at Wyndham Civic Centre 10am – 12.30/1pm (3hrs)
- Christmas / New Year Period: Participants may work independently; no formal program commitments required (Comms will cont.).
- Week 8 Sunday 20 Dec 2026: Email & Slack: XMAS/NEW YEAR BREAK
- Week 9 Sunday 27 Dec 2026: Email & Slack: XMAS/NEW YEAR BREAK
- Week.10 Sunday 3 Jan 2027: Email & Slack: XMAS/NEW YEAR BREAK
- Week 11 Sunday 10 Jan 2027: Email & Slack: XMAS/NEW YEAR BREAK
- Week 12 Sunday 17 Jan 2027: Event Online: Program re-engagement Zoom, hosted/recorded by AW 7 – 8pm
- Week 13 Sunday 24 Jan 2027: Email/Slack: Ongoing online support
- Week 14 Saturday 30 Jan 2027: Event IRL: Speaker #3 Sai-Wai Foo At Wyndham Civic Centre 10am – 12.30/1pm (3hrs) final outfits due on this date – at this event
- Week 15 Sunday 7 Feb 2027: Event IRL: Dress Rehearsal at Wyndham Civic Centre 9am – 12pm (3hrs)
- Week 16 Sunday 14 Feb 2027: Event Online: Showcase briefing Zoom, hosted/recorded by AW 7– 8pm
- Week 17 Saturday 20 Feb 2027: Showcase / Runway: Fashion Parade DATE TBC with MFF 2027
Payment
Participants will receive free participation and a materials stipend ($500 plus GST, if applicable) to cover material costs.
FAQs
Do I need to be a fashion designer?
No. Artists from all disciplines are encouraged to apply—visual art, sculpture, performance, textiles, digital, etc.
Do I need sewing skills?
Not necessarily. While helpful, this program supports experimentation and learning, and garments can be constructed in non-traditional ways.
What is a “wearable artwork”?
A wearable artwork is a piece designed to be worn on the body, but it may function more as art than conventional clothing. It can be sculptural, conceptual, or experimental.
How much time will I need to commit?
Key in-person sessions (approx. 1-3 hours each)
Independent making time
Light online engagement
Expect a consistent but flexible commitment across 17 weeks.
Is the program paid?
Participation is free, and a materials stipend will be provided (TBC).
This is a development opportunity rather than a paid commission.
Can I collaborate with someone?
Yes, but applications should be submitted individually.
Collaborations can be discussed if selected.
What support will I receive?
Guest artist presentations
Feedback sessions
Peer support
Program facilitation and guidance
Where does the runway take place?
Final showcase will be part of Melbourne Fashion Festival 2027 (venue TBC).
What happens after I apply?
Applications reviewed by panel
20 participants selected
All applicants notified of outcome
Do I need to attend all program dates?
Yes. Participants are expected to commit to all key program dates, including in-person sessions, online check-ins, and the final runway presentation.
This program is designed as a cohort-based experience, where each session builds on the last. Your presence is important not only for your own development, but for the collective learning, feedback, and support of the group.
If selected, you are agreeing to prioritise the program across its full duration. We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, but participants should not apply if they cannot confidently commit to attending all scheduled sessions.
Will I need to provide a headshot and bio?
Yes—if selected, you will be required to submit:
A high-resolution headshot
A short bio (100–150 words)
These will be used across program promotion, including social media, marketing materials, and Melbourne Fashion Festival communications.
If you do not have a headshot, we will take these in the first in person event.
What kind of headshot should I provide?
Your headshot should be:
Clear and well-lit
High resolution (minimum 1MB)
JPEG or PNG format
You’re welcome to choose an image that reflects your creative identity—this can be professional or more expressive in style.
Is this program only about making a final garment?
No. While the program culminates in a runway presentation, it is equally focused on:
Creative development and experimentation
Cultural exchange and storytelling
Building confidence in your practice
Engaging with a community of peers and mentors
The process is just as important as the outcome.
14. Who is this program for?
This program is designed for creatives from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We strongly encourage applications from:
Artists and designers from culturally diverse communities
Emerging or underrepresented creatives
Individuals interested in exploring identity, culture, and storytelling through making
You do not need to fit a specific mould—diversity of perspective is central to the program.
15. When would I need to begin developing my wearable artwork?
From the very beginning of the program.
This is not a program where the garment can be left until the final weeks. Participants are expected to progress their work consistently across the 17 weeks, bringing ideas, prototypes, and works-in-progress into sessions for feedback and discussion.
The final speaker session includes a garment review milestone, and by this stage, your work should be well advanced, if not near complete. Leaving construction until the last minute will significantly limit your ability to benefit from feedback, refine your work, and meet the expectations of the final runway outcome.
This program is best suited to participants who are ready to engage in an ongoing making process, test ideas early, and develop their work iteratively over time.