Verge: 11th National Ceramic Conference in Brisbane is about to kick off. This issue of 716 craft·design features two of the exhibitions that are being presented as part of a diverse programme of speakers, demonstrators, workshops and exhibitions.
Thanakupi (known by her anglicised name, Thancoupie) is the most established Indigenous ceramicist in Australia. Her background in the arts has crossed decades of Australian social change and history, and her work has been at the forefront of Australian art. She was the first Aboriginal artist to study ceramics at tertiary level and the first to establish a ceramics studio in Australia. She has commanded attention both on a national and international scale, while keeping strong ties to her community, her country and her home.
» Excerpts from catalogue essay
There have been many jibes at, and jokes about Canberra - "city without a heart", "dead after ten", and "all the roads go in circles - you are always lost!" Now whilst the roads still go in circles, and visitors are still 'always lost' if they travel by car, Canberra now has a secret - it has become a lively, diverse, cosmopolitan city about which political commentator Mungo McCallum said "I wouldn't want to visit - but I'd really like to live there ..." And that's the secret - you really need to have a friend who lives in Canberra to tap into the arts scene that exists behind all those splendid national institutions - the National Gallery of Australia, the Museum of Australia, the National Library ... and all the others.
» Essay by Janet DeBoos
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How do young and emerging makers, designers and practitioners view the Australian scene? What are they passionate about? What pathways exist for them to get started and to stay motivated, to keep going? How do they develop the contacts and resources they need to develop a successful practice?
Youth@craft·design has been set up as a real time online forum for young and emerging craftspeople and designers to discuss these issues. They may be establishing a professional practice, recent graduates, still studying or changing their studio focus.
Four key themes have been identified for discussion and comment.
These questions have been put to a panel of 'experts' and their responses will be used to provide a unique resource at Youth@craft·design. These makers are young creatives who have successfully managed the transition into the commercial world. Read their blogs, view their images and videos, share their experiences and take part in the vital and rewarding world of making and designing today.
A team of practitioners will write blogs and upload images from their daily activities. These makers will draw from their experiences and provide information on where to go for help, what to do in certain situations and how they have made a go of it.
Youth@craft·design is a Craft Australia online forum initiative and will be live during August and September, 2006.
If you would like to be part of this conversation or would like to share your stories online send an email to gaida.macs@craftaustralia.com.au and register your interest. Simply include 'Youth@craft·design' in the subject line and you will be part of a mailing list.
The Crafted Object will draw from the National Gallery of Australia extensive collection of Australian craft and design from the period of 1965 to 1985. The exhibition demonstrates the vibrancy of this period, in which studio craft practice flourished in Australia, and includes major works from artists and designers working in ceramics, glass, textiles, costume, metal, jewellery, wood and furniture – spanning subjects and styles as diverse as organic modernism, Japanese influences, social commentary, technological innovation, environmentalism, feminism and post-modernism. The exhibition will run from 26 August to 10 December, 2006.
Craft Australia will engage with the exhibition through a series of reviews and essays. Writers will be commissioned to discuss the issues that emerged during this period and the influence this had had on the contemporary crafts and design today.
Crafted Object 60s - 80s
National Gallery of Australia
In May, 2006 Craft Australia launched the National Craft Mapping Project: Service provision for professional craft artists and designer/makers, a report on sustainability and skills development in the Australian craft·design industry. The report is now available as a PDF download.
Download your free copy 
Craft Queensland welcomes Chetana Andary as the Executive Director. Andary has over 20 years experience in the arts and cultural sector as a practicing artist, consultant, policy officer and manager.
Renowned Chilean artist Juan Castillo will give a public lecture in Melbourne on 12 July, 2006 on his way to New Zealand to commence the 2006 Manukau School of Visual Arts artist in residence fellowship, awarded in partnership with Creative New Zealand and the South Project. Email Craft Victoria for details.
Report on Payment of Artists' Fees by Publicly Funded Galleries now on the NAVA's website. Comments due by 14 July, 2006.
The Minister for Arts and Museums, Marion Scrymgour is proposing a substantial reform to the Arts Grants Board. An Arts Grants Board Reform Discussion Paper has been prepared by the Minister's Office for circulation by Arts NT. The discussion paper and the former Arts Grants Board Guidelines can be downloaded from the www.arts.nt.gov.au website. Comments due by 11 August, 1006.
Visual artists, craft practitioners and designers working in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria can now access affordable public liability insurance as part of an Artworkers’ accredited membership. Email sofie@artworkers.org for details.
Following Heide Museum of Modern Art redevelopment, Heide will reopen to the public on Tuesday 18 July, 2006.
Craft Australia is supported by the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian Government and all the state and territory governments.
Craft Australia is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
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