Articles - 28 January 2006
2006 unleashed
We always look for markers and signposts to guide us as we start a new year and look forward to fresh prospects and adventures. As I write this column I am struck by two realities. 2006 is the year of the dog, it is also the year Craft Australia received an increase in funding from the Australia Council. This article is a brief outline of the tail wagging goings-on you can expect from Craft Australia as the year unfolds. A couple of enticing activities to sniff out are youth@craft·design, the 2nd national online forum developed by the organisation which will go live in August this year and the National Craft Mapping Report which will be launched as a publication in March at the Adelaide Festival. In amongst these two events is a diverse mix of activities that deliver on the organisation's key goals of advocacy, communication and research.
More funding
Craft Australia has received an increase in funding through the Visual Arts Craft Strategy administered by the Australia Council. This funding has been awarded to key visual arts and craft organisations around Australia in response to the Myer inquiry undertaken in 2002. With this increase Craft Australia will develop new activities and expand existing programs. The main area of growth will be the website where Craft Australia will focus on growing the directory of craft·design services and organisations to provide a comprehensive, online reflection of the sector. The Craft Australia website will continue to be a dynamic portal to the industry making the energetic nature of activities undertaken in Australia visible nationally and internationally.
More opportunities
To reflect the vibrancy of Australian craft·design, Craft Australia will commission more articles for 716 craft·design online news. We are looking for stories that address issues relevant to the sector, exhibition reviews, key events, emerging practice and general issues relating to craft practice. So if you have something to say about Australian craft·design practice, we encourage you to send an expression of interest to craft@craftaustralia.com.au. We have also developed advertising space in 716 craft·design so that organisations and individuals can promote their events and services and attract greater attention to their activities. Please contact Avi Amesbury if you would like to advertise your activities online. 716 craft·design is distributed to over 1500 subscribers nationally. This is a market specific group with a dedicated interest in Australian craft·design.
More projects
Craft Australia collaborates with key industry partners to conduct research and to develop and promote craft·design programs. Here are some examples of the exciting programs you can paw through in 2006.- We begin the year with the Living Treasures project developed in association with Object: Australian Centre for Craft and Design that focuses on the practice of three, influential, Australian, craft practitioners. This project extends over three years and began with an exhibition of work by ceramicist Les Blakebrough. It continues with a show by Klaus Moje this year and Marian Hosking in 2007. All three exhibitions will tour nationally and will have an online program through the Craft Australia website.
- Selling Yarns is an international conference about Australian Indigenous textiles and will be held in Darwin in August this year to coincide with the 23rd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards. The conference is developed in partnership with The Australian National University and addresses issues of cultural and economic sustainability for Indigenous craft·design practice. Registration to attend the conference is now open.
- Projects in progress this year for 2007 that are worth noting include ReSkin, developed in collaboration with ANAT and The Australian National University. It will be launched in January 2007 and will be an intensive hands-on workshop exploring the links between new technologies and fashion/wearables. More details about this program will become available over the year.
More discussions
Opportunities for dialogue about craft practice, new developments and historical frameworks are critical to the sustainability of the sector. The Craft Australia online forum provides an opportunity for dialogue on a national level. The 2nd national online forum youth@craft·design, will go live in August. It will focus on emerging practice and address issues faced by makers entering the sector. Material gathered as a result of feedback from the forum will form the basis of information for lobbying government and relevant agencies on the changing nature of practice. Craft Australia will be appointing a Forum Coordinator to develop the forum and bring it to fruition. If you are interested in these issues and have experience in project management, contact Catrina Vignando at Craft Australia for selection details.
Export is the other major area of focus by Craft Australia and this year we will be launching makers' export online, a mailing list for craft artists and designer makers interested in or actively participating in export activities. Makers' export online is an online resource to share experiences, find out what is happening and learn some helpful tricks from those who have been down that path. For more details about this program email craft@craftaustralia.com.au
More people
On the pragmatic side of operations, the Craft Australia Annual General Meeing will be held in early April. There a 2 vacancies on the Board to be filled. If you are interested in serving as a director on the Board of Craft Australia, please email Catrina Vignando.
This meandering has presented a glimpse at what lies ahead for Craft Australia. After the restructure and 2 years of focused effort by the Board and staff, Craft Australia has secured a clear position and direction for future growth. This is confirmed by the increase in annual funding from the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council and your continuing support as subscribers. Having unleashed a taste of what to expect this year, I look forward to more of your news and events as they unfold.
Catrina Vignando
General Manager
January 2006
