By Melody Lee, New York Hakka Indigo Cultural Ambassador
In 2025, we have already supported several large-scale indigo dyeing camps, with nearly 400 participants in total! On September 20, we successfully held another creative and engaging Indigo Dyeing Workshop. This time we have participants from different countries, who came to the Taipei Cultural Center in New York to take part in this journey of creativity, learning, and cultural exchange. Each participant brought their own cultural background, sparking unique interactions as they experienced the charm of Taiwan’s traditional craft.
Through this workshop, I truly felt the importance of teamwork. Everyone in the organizing team contributed with sincerity and dedication, ensuring the event ran smoothly. Thanks to their collective effort, the workshop was a great success.
As the workshop began, participants were introduced to the fascinating world of this ancient art. With the instructors’ detailed guidance, they learned about the origins of indigo dye, the dyeing process, and the meaning behind different techniques. It was not just a hands-on activity, but also a meaningful cultural journey.
During the workshop, participants not only learned the technical steps of indigo dyeing but also experienced the joy of creativity and cultural connection. From folding and tying the fabric to immersing it in dye, every step required care and patience. The instructors encouraged participants to freely express their creativity, producing unique pieces that reflected their imagination. Seeing their own designs revealed brought pride and satisfaction, offering a true sense of accomplishment.
Special thanks go to the instructors for their hard work. They patiently guided participants through every step, sharing techniques and ensuring that each person could successfully complete their work. The staff also played an important role, moving around the room to provide support, especially to beginners, offering encouragement and practical help. Thanks to their warm guidance, participants gradually mastered the skills and completed their own creations, which highlighted the strength of teamwork.
As someone passionate about photography, I was also grateful for the chance to capture beautiful moments during the workshop. Watching participants immerse themselves in this traditional art deepened my appreciation for Hakka culture. I was particularly moved by the dedication of the indigo masters, their passion and perseverance gave me a new level of respect and understanding for this timeless craft.
I sincerely thank all the staff who made this workshop possible. It was an honor to join this team, learn alongside talented ambassadors, and contribute to the cultural exchange. For me, it was not only a new learning opportunity through photography, but also a meaningful way to take part in cultural preservation. I look forward to many more experiences like this in the future.
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