The Banana Textile Project

October 10, 2008 | Staff Essay

by: Shoko Sugasawa

This is a picture of students from Tama Art University' giving a present to Paul Kagame.
(President of Rwanda)

photo:Banana blog -Japanese-

This colorful garment is made from an unexpected material.
You may be surprised that this material is made from banana stalk.

"The Banana Textile Project" by Tama Art University.
For more information please visit URL link below.
http://www.tamabi.ac.jp/kyoumu/gendaigp/banana/index.html

"The Banana Textile Project" started from year 2000, with an aim to preserve environment and support developing countries through construction of fabric production system.
(In tropical countries, mass disposal of banana stalk has become a problem.)

"The Banana Textile Project" is also a part of the curriculum of Tama University.
I'd like to focus on some of the appealing points about this curriculum.

First, work in this class will support people in developing countries. Many students will be motivated to study this course to realize and take action toward the problems of global issues.

Second, students have oportunities to join special lectures. For example,
presenters varies from enviromental activist to CEO from big corporation.

After the project, each student will cultivate knowledge or interest he or she receive in this project.
In addition to tangible meaning like reduction of banana stalk disposal,
these influences for students are also significant point of this project.

Tama Art University will join Eco-Products Exhibition this year and will display creative project like “The Banana Textile Project”.