Australia has had a strong tradition of international export assistance. Being an isolated continent with the world's key markets stretching way beyond both major oceans, export is a necessity. Since 1991 the Australia Council for the Arts has supported an international craft export program. Initially this funding was devolved to Craft Australia who, from 1991 to 2002, represented over 14,000 Australian artists and their work at 43 major craft and design feature events in the United States of America, Singapore, Germany, Hong Kong, Korea and Japan. Over these eleven years Craft Australia generated over 4 times the return on investment through direct sales of artworks to collectors, galleries and collecting institutions. (J. Heitter, 2003) These figures do not take into account the secondary benefits of this support which continues beyond the exhibition event through the establishment of new contacts and networks.

This remarkable foray into the international art market was galvanised with the International Craft Initiative which has been operating since 2003. This strategy was supported by the Visual Arts Board of the Australia Council and managed by the JamFactory in Adelaide through an exhibition program under the banner of Australian Contemporary. This program has now also come to an end.

The focus of this September issue of 716 craft·design is dedicated to the achievements of the International Craft Initiative and to the benefits this program has brought to the sector by enhancing international audiences for Australian contemporary craft and design.

With no substitute export program in sight from the Visual Arts Board; and a review of the current support program for Australian commercial galleries through the Community Partnerships and Market Development division of the Australia Council, we take this opportunity to reflect. What have been the highlights of the international craft strategy of the past 5 years? How have Australian commercial galleries benefited from participation in these international events? What have been the personal success stories for the artists that have been involved?

I encourage you to read the specially commissioned articles by Amanda Game from Scotland, Mark Thomson, Wendy Walker and Diana Hare that give an overview of the stories and successes of the International Craft Initiative. 716 craft·design Issue 33 September

I invite you to give us your feedback on the current cut to support for international craft export. Craft Australia welcomes your ideas and anecdotes for a new direction.

General Manager
Craft Australia
August 2008