ConVerge is the culmination of three years of planning and preparation by artist/curators, Geoff Crispin and Bob Connery, and Cath Fogarty - Project Officer of Arts Northern Rivers. The exhibition was opened in association with Verge: 11th National Ceramic Conference in Brisbane in July, 2006 and will travel to fourteen galleries across Queensland and New South Wales. The Curators Foreword by Geoff Crispin and Bob Connery is republished by Craft Australia as part of a regional arts focus.

The north coast of New South Wales has a ceramic tradition that dates back to the 1960s and has grown to encompass the educational field and production potteries as well as innovative individuals and groups. There have been many exhibitions that have showcased these activities but rarely has there been a region wide, independently juried exhibition featuring the range of ceramic works produced. The North Coast Woodfire exhibition of the early 1990s, whilst juried, showcased only a sectional view of ceramics from the North Coast. The ConVerge exhibition, we believe, is the first time there has been a region wide survey show featuring the dynamic and energetic ceramic practice in evidence across the area, from the Queensland border to Coffs Harbour.

The exhibition grew out of a suggestion from Stephanie Outridge-Field and Marcus Hughes at the National Ceramics Conference in Bendigo 2003, to make a contribution to the Brisbane Verge Conference 2006, where regional ceramic practice would be one of the major themes. We took up the challenge, spreading word of the possibility, chasing sponsors and along with Cath Fogarty of Arts Northern Rivers developing this possibility into reality.

ConVerge is a five year commitment to date, comprising three years of organisation until now and two years touring planned so far - a result of the overwhelming response from possible exhibitors, galleries, arts administrators and funding bodies. ConVerge would not have happened without support from many people, both paid and unpaid, whose commitment will continue until the end.

We feel that this exhibition is an important expression of the continued vibrancy of ceramic arts activity in the region. The artists and their works reflect the longevity and innovation of ceramic practice on the north coast of New South Wales. This contrasts with major urban centres, where ceramics seems to have fallen out of favour. Perhaps this is a function of lifestyle changes - electronic communication has changed our interactions with the outside world making it easier for those outside the 'centre' to stay informed and in touch - and the area's increasing population has strengthened and encouraged intra-regional connections. Despite these developments we still have a lot of work to do to make our presence felt outside the region.

The response from regional galleries to the prospect of this exhibition was overwhelmingly positive - perhaps because an initiative such as this was long overdue. ConVerge reinforces our view that the regions always have, and will continue to provide, the impetus for ongoing ceramic strength.

Geoff Crispin and Bob Connery, August 2006