Our Story
Our story is rooted in a rich tapestry of experiences, projects, and initiatives that have shaped our journey. It all began in 2010 when the exploration of ikat, an Indonesian traditional weaving technique, became a focal point for revitalizing intangible cultural heritage at Leiden University's International Institute for Asian Studies (IIAS). Over the course of seven years, a series of activities and projects unfolded in the East Nusa Tenggara region of Indonesia and in The Netherlands, laying the foundation for CCD-NL's establishment in 2017.
At CCD-NL, we are driven by progressive ideas and bold actions. Our passionate team is dedicated to harnessing the power of culture and creativity for sustainable progress. We believe that culture has the transformative potential to drive positive change and create a more inclusive and resilient society. Through dynamic projects, workshops, exhibitions, and events, we create platforms for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and transformative experiences. Our goal is to foster cross-cultural understanding, build bridges of harmony, respect, and appreciation among people from different backgrounds.
We invite you to join us on an exciting journey of exploration, discovery, and empowerment. Together, let us unlock the boundless potential of culture, nurture creativity, and shape a brighter future for generations to come.
Our Activities
At CCD-NL, we go beyond projects and events. We organize fundraisers, and activities, and participate in various events to support our mission of cultural preservation, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue. Collaborating with like-minded organizations, we contribute to the vibrant discourse and exchange of ideas within the cultural and development sectors. Together with our partners, we shape a dynamic and inclusive cultural landscape that celebrates diversity and fosters innovation. These initiatives raise awareness, generate resources, and foster community engagement, making a lasting impact.
In addition, our blog section offers insightful articles about traditional crafts and CCD-NL's projects worldwide. It allows you to explore captivating stories, delve into the cultural significance of textile traditions, and gain insights into our innovative approaches to cultural preservation and sustainable development.
Join us in creating positive change and empowering communities through upcoming fundraisers and events.
CCD-NL enthusiastically participated in the TENUN Fashion Week 2021, an exceptional event dedicated to highlighting the handwoven textiles of Southeast Asia. As part of this remarkable showcase, we proudly secured a spot in the top 5 of the People's Choice Awards, ranking at number 4. We are immensely proud of our talented designers, Selviana Boi Dao and Lidwina Vivawaty Ng from Belu, and Marsha Fattu from Rote-Ndao, who captivated the audience with their breathtaking designs on the runway.
TENUN Fashion Week provided us with a platform to celebrate the vibrant creations of weaving communities, demonstrating our commitment to supporting their ways of life and contributing to sustainable development goals. Being part of this visionary event was a privilege, as it epitomized a future where weaving sustains lives and cultural heritage flourishes. We continue to be inspired by the incredible talents and artistry within the weaving traditions of Southeast Asia, and we remain dedicated to promoting their rich cultural heritage on a global stage.
The NTT Disaster Donation fundraiser was launched to support our Ikat artisans affected by severe floods in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia in 2021. The campaign aimed to provide emergency assistance for food supplies and house repairs. Despite challenges in communication and logistics, we delivered essential aid and collaborated with local partners. Your generous contributions made a meaningful impact on the lives of these artisans, helping them rebuild and preserve their cultural heritage. Together, we support their recovery and create a brighter future.
Geef Campaigns in 2020
In 2020, CCD-NL received significant support through three major fundraising campaigns. The "Eat for Ikat" campaign, with the assistance of Ibu Rachma, Ibu Aida, and Ibu Alya, successfully raised 725 euros over a period of three months, from July to October. This included 425 euros raised for Wehor Hadomi in July, September, and October, as well as 150 euros each for Syaiat Tolle and Asmawet Fattu in October.
Additionally, the Geef Yarn & Dyes campaign achieved remarkable crowdfunding success. Through the geef link and an additional direct transfer of 50 euros to CCD-NL's bank account, a total of 745 euros was raised. These funds were sent directly to the three weaving groups under the #ccdnlplatform: Wahor Hadomi in Belu, Gunung Mako in Alor, and Pelestarian Ikat Rote Ndao (PIRN). The campaign aimed to support the weaving communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent disasters, ensuring their resilience and ability to sustain their livelihoods through weaving. Detailed reports regarding the impact of these donations have been provided. Furthermore, we gathered €145 in donations in exchange for our artisans' handmade Ikat NTT facemasks.
CCD-NL expresses immense gratitude for the generous support and donations, which were instrumental in assisting the artisans in Indonesia. The donation of yarn materials and ready-made fabrics provided practical resources for the artisans to continue their weaving practices and earn a living. It was truly meaningful to us and the artisans, as it allowed them to continue their livelihoods with Ikat weaving.
CCD-NL proudly supported and participated in the Fashion Show "The Modest Heritage of Indonesian," held at the Museon museum in The Hague, the Netherlands. This collaborative event, organized by the Indonesian Embassy and Pelangi Wastra Indonesian organization, brought together fashion designers and showcased exquisite attire made from traditional Indonesian wastra fabric. The fashion show highlighted the diversity of Indonesia's cultural heritage, with each of the eight designers selecting a specific fabric inspired by a different region. From the Baduy fabric of Banten to the silk from West Java Garut, the designers skillfully combined traditional fabrics with modern elements, creating unique and captivating pieces. The event aimed to promote Indonesian cultural heritage and emphasized the country's developing creative industry. The fashion show began with an engaging discussion titled "Wastra Indonesian: Timeless Source of Inspiration," led by Yetty Haning from CCD-NL. This event not only showcased Indonesia's rich cultural tapestry but also fostered collaboration between Indonesian designers and their international counterparts, further enriching the global fashion landscape.