As South Australia’s leading organisation supporting visual artists, craftspeople, and designers, Guildhouse is known for offering ambitious opportunities that foster artistic growth and career development. At the heart of this mission is The Collections Project, an initiative that connects artists with significant cultural collections to inspire new work and fresh public engagement.
This unique residency-style program invites an artist to immerse themselves in the historical and contemporary collections of a partnering institution. The outcome? An original body of work that not only reflects on the past but resonates with the present – offering audiences new ways of experiencing both.
For 2025/26, the spotlight turns to FABRIK Arts + Heritage, located in Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills. FABRIK’s rich cultural collections include the textile legacy of the Onkaparinga Woollen Mill, along with diverse community archives and contemporary living collections that celebrate people and place.
The residency, running from August 2025 to April 2026, will see Dai Trang (pictured at top) delve into these collections, with her work culminating in a public exhibition and workshops in February 2026.
A Vietnamese-born, Adelaide-based artist and designer, Dai Trang Nguyen brings a global perspective to her practice, having worked across Vietnam, the UK and Australia. Initially trained in graphic design, her creative journey has evolved into a mindful, meditative process that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the often-invisible connections between generations.
“I’m grateful for the chance to bring my mindful practice to this project and connect with the rich heritage of textiles,” Dai says. “As I continue transforming the present moment into artwork, I’m excited to learn the stories woven into every moment with the community.”
It feels like I’m embarking on an unfolding textiles adventure across time, place, and culture, alongside many companions and generations.
Her work spans textiles, found objects and mixed media, resulting in contemplative sculptures, installations and wall-based works that invite quiet reflection. Since moving to South Australia in 2022 to undertake a Master’s in Contemporary Art at UniSA, Dai Trang has exhibited both locally and internationally, undertaken an Adelaide-based residency, and received acclaim for her sensitive and thought-provoking creations.
This upcoming chapter in her artistic journey promises to blend history with the present in beautifully unexpected ways – offering audiences the chance to see South Australian heritage through a deeply personal and culturally layered lens.
To learn more about The Collections Project and Dai Trang’s upcoming exhibition, visit guildhouse.org.au or fabrik.org.au.
