Tongan women are spearheading a collaborative weaving project ahead of the opening of Powerhouse Parramatta in Sydney.

The initiative, part of the OCEAN WE’VE Commission created by Powerhouse and Blacktown Arts, invites the community across Western Sydney to help weave 80 handmade mats this summer.

The mats were first begun in Tonga by Langafonua ’a Fafine Tonga (Women’s Council of Tonga) in Nuku‘alofa, then shipped to Sydney for completion.

Langafonua spokesperson Folauhola Vaea reflected on the honour of the commission. “It is an honour for Langafonua ‘a Fafine Tonga to be commissioned to begin the weaving of mats, a work that carries the strength, beauty and heritage of our Tongan women.”

“Through our hands, we contribute to a legacy that will adorn and bless the new museum building, connecting the past, present, and future of our people,” she added.

Free public workshops will run from November to March at venues including the Leo Kelly Blacktown Arts Centre, Campbelltown Arts Centre and during Waitangi Day celebrations in Blacktown. Participants of all ages will be led by skilled Pacific artists including Ereamone Chamberlain, Sione Falemaka, Angela Paikea, Keren Ruki and Seve Faleupolu.

A selection of the finished mats will enter the museum’s permanent collection, marking these works as part of Australia’s design and cultural heritage.

The project builds on a 2023 partnership in which Langafonua artists travelled to Australia to deliver weaving workshops.

It also acknowledges the deep cultural significance of weaving traditions across the Pacific and within Tongan communities.