The Makers Project: The Craft That Binds, A Special Collaboration Between The Balvenie and AlvinT Part of Indonesia Design Week 2024
In October, AlvinT partnered with The Balvenie for The Makers Project: The Craft That Binds, an exhibition held during Indonesia Design Week 2024. This collaboration brought together whisky-making and rattan craftsmanship, highlighting the shared dedication to tradition and skill. Hosted at the AlvinT Gallery in the Indonesia Design District, the exhibition explored the relationship between material, craft, and design.
The centerpiece of the exhibition, The Cask, was inspired by The Balvenie’s whisky barrels and created using rattan weaving. It served as a reflection of both brands’ commitment to time-honored methods while exploring the possibilities of design.
Another highlight was The Five Rare Crafts of The Balvenie, which highlighted the time-honored techniques behind whisky-making, such as malting and coopering. Visitors also learned about the influence of surroundings on the craft-making process and the importance of the people who have lived there, honoring and passing down these traditions. This reflects something AlvinT continues to communicate through People Place Culture—the interconnectedness of these three elements, which we believe are essential in shaping our lives.
Throughout the exhibition, AlvinT and The Balvenie focused on creating meaningful experiences that allowed visitors to better understand the brands and the shared values that guide them. Through workshops like floral arrangements with Jeumpa, Dayak weaving with AlvinT and Handep, whisky-inspired pottery with Ayu Larasati, and diffuser-making with Euodia, visitors had the chance to engage directly with the crafts and learn about the people and their way of making.
The exhibition wouldn’t have been complete without meaningful conversations and discussions. AlvinT and The Balvenie successfully hosted an engaging Makers Talk featuring Alvin Tjitrowirjo, who shared his personal journey as a maker and the driving forces behind his work. Alongside him, photojournalist Oscar Motuloh discussed the art of photography, offering insights into the key elements he values in his craft. Both talks were really inspiring. They gave a better idea of how craftsmanship influences not only their own creations but also their understanding of the world around them.
Finally, our favorite part—the Whisky Pairing Dinner. To end the day, we explored the simple pleasures of good food, good whisky, and conversation. The pairing of The Balvenie whiskies with Indonesian dishes allowed us to appreciate how flavors can create a deeper connection to the experience.
The Makers Project offered a chance to explore the intersections of craft, design, and tradition. We’re grateful to The Balvenie and everyone who joined us in this experience. For more, visit us on Instagram: @alvint_id.
