JamFactoryAustralia's leader in studio training and production of contemporary craft and designVACS negotiations between the Australian and South Australian Governments delivered financial support to JamFactory that coincided with their 30th anniversary celebrations. Director of JamFactory Stephen Bowers was delighted: "VACS funding endorses JamFactory's role as the national centre for contemporary craft and design training, presentation, commissioning and retailing. While JamFactory's combination of studios, galleries and shops are unique in Australia - it has been artists and the creative studios where the hands-on training takes place, which have benefited most."
Work of Glass Associate Brendan Miller, using the re-heating chamber renovated by VACS funding.
JamFactory has invested most of its VACS assistance in provision of first class studio equipment and facilities to support and develop independent artists working in glass, metal, ceramics and furniture. Each studio creates exhibition work, completes a wide variety of innovative commissions and creates high end craft and design for sale through JamFactory's two stores in Adelaide. All on-site studios benefited, with new equipment, improved workshop layout and better compliance with occupational workplace health and safety regulations. Nowhere else in Australia do studio artists and trainees have 24 hour access to international standard studio facilities seven days a week, all year round. Studio upgrades were planned so that professional and training practitioners will have the capacity to extend JamFactory's track record in working with industry, prototyping, and production of one-off pieces for exhibition through to small scale production. Individual commissioned pieces for private and public installation are also undertaken. |
Christine Cholewa - the whole bowl
The JamFactory glass studio was a major beneficiary of the upgrades. It has been operating for 30 years and ranks as Australia's largest and longest running hot glass studio. "JamFactory is recognized nationally and internationally for the fine work that our glass artists produce. We have made critical improvements to this studio so that it maintains its leading edge" Bowers commented. New highly specialized glass making equipment was built and installed in the studio to allow professional glass artists and those in training to undertake a wide range of glass making techniques and extend the creativity and innovation that is the hallmark of Australian contemporary glass. JamFactory hosted the international conference of the Glass Art Society in May 2005, and showcased the completed glass studio renovations. "JamFactory's glass studios are now the envy of glass artists across the world, thanks to our major renovations" states Mathew Larwood, Creative Director of the studio. "We can now support Australian glass artists with better equipment and training and make more impact on national and international markets and collectors. This is a dream come true for Australian glass." The GAS conference profiled Australia's contemporary glass artists to over 900 visiting delegates and participants from around Australia and overseas and an estimated $281,000 was generated in exhibition and retail sales, commissions and orders.
Demonstration by South Australian glass artist Nick Mount, held as part of the program for the recent international Glass Art Society conference GAS@Ausglass.
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Member organisation of Craft Organisation Australia are supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments