Borneo Chic started as an initiative of five Indonesian non-government organizations (NGOs) that joined together to form Crafts Kalimantan in 2008. Crafts Kalimantan is a network of indigenous artisans of Kalimantan and their NGO support groups. Seeing the potential of organized, expanded work at the ground level, it came together to conduct training activities with Dayak artisans in the effort to build a sustained movement to promote authentic indigenous crafts and sustainable livelihoods in Kalimantan. At that time, interest in certain Dayak crafts was dwindling and other professions were drawing artisans away from their home and their traditions.
Utilizing its diverse rainforests and the ingenuity of the Dayak people, Borneo Chic presents crafts in various forms and functions. Little is known about the Dayak sophisticated craftsmanship using natural materials such as the water reed "Bemban", the climbing vine rattan grown in home gardens called “simpukg”, the leaf fiber "Doyo" and natural dyes for intricate tie-dyed loom weaving called "Ikat". Borneo Chic supports over 400 Dayak artisans through its marketing efforts to sustain the island's weaving tradition and support income generation from sustainable, local materials.
Borneo Chic supports artisans from the following indigenous groups:
- Dayak Desa from Sintang, West Kalimantan through the Jasa Menenun Mandiri ( JMM) Cooperative
- Dayak Iban from Kapuas Hulu, West Kalimantan through the young women’s group Tuju Darah (seven young maidens)
- Dayak Bisomu from Sanggau, West Kalimantan
- Dayak Benuaq from Kutai Barat, East Kalimantan
- Dayak Ngaju from Kapuas, Central Kalimantan
