A new scholarship program will assist Western Australian fashion and design graduates establish links with the Japanese traditional textile industry.
The WA - Hyogo Banshu Textile program will enable six fashion and design students to travel to Japan in 2011 to work with Banshu textile manufacturers.
Premier Colin Barnett said the program was developed to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Sister State relationship between WA and Hyogo Prefecture in 2011.
"This scholarship program is another example of how the State Government is working to strengthen the ties between WA and Hyogo and I thank Hyogo for their generosity in supporting this program," Mr Barnett said.
"Submissions have been invited from all final year students from WA's fashion training and education institutions.
"Six successful applicants will travel to Hyogo in March 2011 where they will work with world-class Banshu textile manufacturers, learn about their fashion and textile industry and meet with international fashion/textile stakeholders.
"This experience will help our fashion and design graduates develop important links with Japan, which boasts one of the biggest fashion industries in the world.
"Participants will receive a 10m sample of their original work and given the opportunity to participate in the 2011 Nishiwaki Fashion Festival."
The Premier said scholarship submissions close on October 15 and the winners would be announced later this year.
In addition, WA fashion designer Timothy Godbold had been invited by the Hyogo Banshu Industry to participate in the project.
The WA - Hyogo Banshu Textile program is co-ordinated by the departments of State Development and Culture and the Arts.
Banshu textile is made by a unique method where yarns are dyed in advance and patterns are woven with the dyed yarns. It is suitable for a wide range of garments and is distributed worldwide to high-end fashion houses such as Hermes, Louis Vuitton and Giorgio Armani.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
