Launched in November 2005, the Living Treasures: Masters of Australian craft series is an initiative of Object: Australian Centre for Craft and Design that is promoted by Craft Australia and supported by the network of Australian Craft and Design Centres, (ACDC). Each year, through the combination of a national touring exhibition and a major monograph publication, the series celebrates the achievements of Australia's iconic and influential crafts practitioners.

Living Treasures

Two selection processes have taken place to identify Australia's Living Treasures. The first in 2004 saw Les Blakebrough, ceramics, Klaus Moje, glass and Marian Hosking, jewellery selected for 2005 to 2007. At the selection in 2007 Liz Williamson, textiles, Kevin Perkins, furniture and Robert Baines, jewellery were recognised as the 2008 to 2010 Living Treasures.

Masters of Australian Craft

The series has expanded to celebrate the short listed finalists as Masters of Australian craft. This accolade is a new development that acknowledges the wealth and dynamism of the Australian studio craft movement of the past thirty years. The Masters of Australian craft for 2008 to 2010 are Pippin Drysdale (WA), Beth Hatton (NSW), Brian Hirst (NSW), Jeff Mincham (SA), Milton Moon (SA), Catherine Truman (SA) and Margaret West (NSW).

The Living Treasures: Masters of Australian craft series has met with a great deal of praise by the arts industry. It is a timely program that recognises talented senior crafts practitioners that have been influential in the Australian cultural sector. This significantly expands the knowledge base about Australian craft practice and its contribution to Australian life.

Craft Australia is a key partner in the Living Treasures program and will continue to actively promote the program through the Craft Australia website.

Related articles