CraftsouthCraftsouth's wish come trueAn annual funding boost of $25,000 to Craftsouth in July 2005 made three major projects possible, and breathed new life into South Australia's craft and design service organisation that has been the first point of reference for the state's craft and design practitioners for 40 years.
Jane Bowden Wrapped Bangles (detail), 2004
Wishlist, a major exhibition of 40 members' work during the South Australian Living Artist Festival in August 2005, generated higher than expected visitor numbers, sales, commissions and orders. VACS funding made it possible to curate this members' exhibition, the first in over ten years, covering ceramics, glass, jewellery, textiles and furniture. "After years and years of delivering programs to boost creative skills, encourage innovation, develop markets and improve business acumen for our members we could suddenly see in Wishlist how Craftsouth has boosted the quality and diversity in South Australian craft and design. The high standard of work confirmed that Craftsouth's programs have been well targeted to achieve those aims. Wishlist confirmed why South Australian craft and design practitioners are amongst the leaders in the sector nationally" enthuses Anne Robertson. Wishlist was so popular with the public, the media and the practitioners that VACS funding allows Craftsouth to make it a major annual event.
Julie Blyfield Desert Plants, 2004
Craftsouth's second project will harness the power of the internet to profile leading South Australian practitioners. Established and emerging arts writers will be commissioned to research and write illustrated articles about South Australian craft and prevailing issues around contemporary craft practice. Intended to stimulate debate and dialogue, the articles will establish a bold profile for contemporary craft within the broader arts field. Dovetailing with this initiative, a number of South Australia's leading makers and designers will be profiled on the Craftsouth website, introducing them to a broad audience base within Australia and internationally. |
VACS funding also allows Craftsouth and the South Australian Museum to extend their successful three year partnership under the Positive Minds Attract youth mental health program. Inside SAM's Place is a unique partnership that gives South Australian practitioners and designers a privileged opportunity to explore the Museum's collections as a source of inspiration for new one-off pieces or a new range. These are prominently and professionally displayed within the Museum, accompanied with promotional and educational outreach targeting young people, and sales opportunities through the Museum shop. The message to young people is that creativity, learning, persistence, interpretation and innovation are part of living a healthy life, and are also the same skills a practitioner or designer calls upon to make the new works on display. Placing contemporary craft and design within the Museum context is important for profiling the talent of South Australian creativity.
Bridgette Minuzzo and Adrian Potter Tors 2005
The Museum has been delighted with the response from the targeted youth audiences. Established and emerging practitioners are lining up to be selected for the prestigious opportunity in 2006. Artists and exhibitions that are part of Inside SAM's Place 2006 add another thoughtful voice to the way we define, present and enjoy our historical collections. Wonderful new craft and design always results from these projects, so we are delighted that Inside SAM's Place will continue till 2007. We heavily promote each new project so that good quality South Australian craft and design becomes part of the youth audience's expectations for their own healthy and productive lives. Working with Craftsouth is a perfect partnership project for celebrating the Museum's 150th Anniversary year" says Rosie Glow, Manager, Education and Visitor Services at the South Australian Museum.
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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