Craft and Design News From Craft Queensland

            Mel Robson 
            Recollect 2004

                Matt Dwyer 
               Cuff Nokia 2004

             Rebecca Ward 
            Sea Jewels 
             Elemental II 2004

 

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
Craft Queensland: Partnering in Commercialisation 2005
Craft Queensland’s charter includes assisting contemporary craft and design practitioners to acquire knowledge, experience and industry networks to develop a sustainable practice. Hence, Craft Queensland is in the process of developing a pilot program that encompasses accredited training, possible industry placement with light manufacturers and, exhibition and retail opportunities in preparation for export. The objective of the program is to enable practitioners to realise the potential of commercial outcomes.

Craft Queensland has been successful in securing funding to offer 15 places to contemporary craft and design practitioners in an accredited training program. The participants of this training will become qualified in the principles of the commercialisation process as relevant to their own medium and practice. Three modules are being offered. These are: The Business of Art, Forecast Market and Business Needs and, Occupational Workplace Health and Safety in the Visual Arts Industry.

It is anticipated that this initial training will enable Craft Queensland to secure industry placement for practitioners with a light manufacturer relevant to their practice. It is envisaged that this placement will enable the practitioner to develop a prototype and acquire knowledge, skills and develop networks of the light manufacturing industry in Queensland. Industry placement will assist in developing product for commercial reproduction, national distribution and export.

Expressions of Interest
Craft Queensland is seeking expressions of interest from contemporary craft and design practitioners who are interested in extending their product/practice to light manufacturing.

Participants shall be awarded placement within the program based on their record of achievement in product design and their demonstrated interest in the commercialisation of their product/practice in readiness for light manufacturing, national distribution and/or export.

Applicants need to demonstrate that they are committed to attending the accredited training modules for a maximum of eight hours per week for two eight week blocks through April to July 2005 (details included within the Craft Queensland: Partnering in Commercialisation application form).

How to Apply
The closing date for applications is COB Monday 21 March 2005. The training component of the program will commence the week beginning Monday 4 April 2005. Training will be delivered in the Seminar Room Level 2, 381 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006. There is no fee associated with this training.

Successful applicants will be advised of their inclusion in the program and their training commitments by COB Wednesday 23 March 2005.

Applications will be accepted by mail only. For subject outlines, course competencies and assessment, further details and/or an application form contact Jennifer Radley via email jenny@craftqld.com.au or (T) 3215 0800.

Craft Queensland receives financial assistance from its major sponsors, Arts Queensland (State Government) and the Australia Council, the Commonwealth Government's arts funding and advisory body.

Mel Robson, Matt Dwyer and Rebecca Ward have been past recipients of the Craft Queensland Mentorship Grant for Emerging Craftsperson/Designer-Maker funded by the Australia Council.