Updated 01 January 2019
February – March 2019
Kochi-Muziris Biennale + Natural Dye International Forum
Led by Yoshiko I. Wada
Led by textile scholar and Slow Fiber Studios founder Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada, the 6th India Study Tour focuses on local textile craft, inventive traditional and contemporary art, and historic architectural sites by traveling to some of India’s most active cultural centers. Yoshiko lived in Ahmedabad in 1983-84 under a Fellowship from the Indo-US Sub-Commission for Education and Culture. Since then, she has traveled extensively through India working with local organizations and artisan groups and nurtured friendship and connections in many areas where crafts are still vibrant means of livelihood. Shopping directly from the makers and to learn the textile artistry first hand by personal instruction as well as sharing meals and conversations with her friends will be an unforgettable experience you will bring home with.
Explore the contemporary art exhibitions at the Kochi-Muziris International Biennale drawing global attention of art critiques and artists; exchange ideas and broaden your dyeing knowledge at the Natural Dye Workshops in Munnar taught by a world renown phytochemist and dyer from France Michel Garcia; visit with collectors, artists, and designers at their private homes and studios; wander through the collections at key museums and galleries; engage in hands-on workshops with local artisans; enjoy regional cuisine and overnight stays at traditional inns and historic haveli townhouses.
Main Program
Ahmedabad (4 Nights) → Kutch (4 Nights) → Kochi (3 Nights) → Munnar (5 Nights) → Pollachi (2 Nights)
10 February – 28 February 2019
Arrive 10 February, Ahmedabad
Depart 28 February, Pollachi (Coimbatore International Airport)
Post-Program Extension
Sri Lanka (7 Nights)
28 February – 07 March 2019
Colombo → Galle → Kandy → Dambulla → Anuradhapura → Waikkal near Colombo, Sri LankaDepart 07 March,
*Includes 2-night accommodations at Heritance Kandalama designed by Geoffrey Bawa
Please click both of the buttons below to reserve your space
Registration + Program Policy
Deposit: 500 USD
Purchasing a deposit guarantees you a place in this program. When official tour registration opens, the full deposit will be applied to the registration cost. Space is limited.
Deposits are 85% refundable until January 1, 2019.
Please contact us to request a refund.
Main Program Registration: 5400 USD The balance of the tour cost is due on January 10, 2019.
18 nights at sharing basis at Heritage Hotel properties, Safari Resort, Houseboat, and hand-picked accommodations.
Included are 18 breakfasts, 11 Lunches, & 11 Dinners at restaurants and private homes; 1 hands-on workshop for 3 techniques including mirror, metal, & shadow embroideries; Vriksha Ayurvedic (plant health and balance) and Organic Cotton farming seminar; as well as special presentations.
There will be opportunities to take mini-workshops by artisans and artists including master dyer, phytochemist Michel Garcia from France. Yoshiko Wada will lead a special shibori workshop. Lunch & materials are included in the workshop fee.
Tour Cost includes ground transport between cities and venues, accommodations, entrance fees to museums and historical sites, English speaking guide, some special presentations by local institutions/ specialists, and 40 meals.
international & domestic airfares are not included
- Main Program Participants please purchase the following flight: Bhuj>Kochi
- Main + Post-Program Participants please purchase the following flight: Coimbatore>Colombo
Sri Lanka Extension: 1600 USD
7 nights accommodations including 2 nights stay overlooking Sigriya rock at Heritance Kandalama designed by Geoffrey Bawa, most meals, all ground transportation, entrance fees to select museums and historical sites with an English speaking guide. International airfare is not included.
We will meet 28 February 2019, for a welcome dinner in Colombo. The SFS India Main Tour travelers can travel from Pollachi with Yoshiko to Coimbatore Airport. Book your own flight Coimbatore>Colombo. See the flight detail.
View Google MapProgram Policy
Slow Fiber Studios tours are only open to World Shibori Network members. Read about membership privileges on the World Shibori Network Membership website.
Please carefully read Slow Fiber Studios tour policies.
You are responsible for purchasing your own airfare and travel insurance
For questions email jackie@yoshikowada.com
Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada is an artist, curator, textile scholar, president of World Shibori Network, founder of Slow Fiber Studios, producer of the Natural Dye Workshop film series, and co-chair of the 1st – 11th International Shibori Symposiums. A Berkeley resident since 1973, she continues to lead a wide range of workshops, lectures, international programs, and international symposia, emphasizing sustainability, tradition, and innovation in design.