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An exhibition and sale currently on at Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa aims to celebrate the creativity of Balinese artists, provide an ethical source of crafts and promote sustainability.
The Kindness Furniture on display features handmade items from Bali, many using recycled materials including wood from old boats. Natural products, including bamboo straws and items made from rattan, are also included.
Everything is for sale, with a portion of the proceeds – around 5-10 percent – going to the Kindness Project. Its founder, Gary Parkinson, says in addition, everything sold supports the Balinese village economy.
“As a consumer society our obsession for things is straining the planet’s ability to survive,” Gary says.
Often we are using materials that are not planet friendly and take hundreds of years to break down once discarded. Through our offerings not only do we help people survive in traditional craft-making, we also become part of the solution for being kind to the planet. We have wonderful partners in Bali that ensure the sources are genuine and the supply chain has integrity.”
The project, which also supports an orphanage in Bali, is based in Albany. It started just over a year ago and Gary says it’s been a steep learning curve. He says Bali has been severely impacted by the drop off in tourism as a result of Covid-19.
The Kindness Project is linked to the Global Giving Initiative, B1G1, which helps businesses become a real force for good.
Estuary Arts Centre manager Kim Boyd says as well as sustainability, hosting the sale is a way of bringing diversity to the gallery.
“As we can’t go to Bali, we thought we’d bring it to Ōrewa,” she says.
The exhibition and sale is on now at the arts centre, until April 18.
Estuary Arts gives back
Estuary Arts Centre manager Kim Boyd says the centre’s new “giving back to community strategy” is needed now more than ever. Some of the projects resulting from the strategy are: Emerging artists can apply for support in the form of an exhibition, event, use of studio space, mentorship or internship • Providing art activities at Whangaparāoa school gala • Raising awareness for the I am Hope Foundation and fundraising for Gumboot Day in May with an exhibition. • Support workshops for adults with aphasia and their families • Young adults under 18 Photographic competition in July – winners receive mentorship and an exhibition. The arts centre also continues to support Hospice with its annual fundraiser and have held themed exhibitions in support of Riding for Disabled and cancer charities.
