Selling Yarns 2

Innovation for sustainability

 

Seminars

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Registration and payment for the workshops is required in advance. Registrations are now open and you can indicate your workshop and seminar selection on the Selling Yarns Registration Form.

Monday 9 March

  1. Ethical consumerism - Tradition for Modern Times with Kevin Murray
  2. Growing your creative business with Carol Hanlon and David Nissen

Seminar 1: Ethical consumerism - Tradition for Modern Times

How to sustain trust in products developed from craft communities
With Kevin Murray
Venue: TBC
Cost of seminar: $50.00
Monday 9 March, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

This seminar explores the ethics of craft development and how this can add value to the final product.

Ethical consumerism considers not only the product itself but also the positive impact which purchasing this product has in the world. So, even a global brand like Starbucks tries to demonstrate its fair dealings with third world producers. Ethical consumerism is becoming increasing popular in design, with great interest in stories about how the product was made. The negative impact of sweatshop stories on Nike's brand has shown how important it is for consumers to know that they are part of a positive process.

Many designers are now working with craft communities, particularly in remote regions where traditional manual skills have not yet been eroded by globalisation. While noble in intention, these collaborations are vulnerable. Designers often have little training and experience in working with traditional communities. Being tied to the fashion cycle can mean that the designer's involvement in the community is short-term, leaving high expectations and great disappointments in their wake. A few bad stories about craft sweatshops can turn consumers cynical about products that have a 'handmade by traditional community' story.

So how can designers develop relationships with craft persons who are likely to live up to consumer expectations and have a sustainable benefit to the community?

This seminar develops principles for the collaboration between designer and craftsperson. While identifying ethical ideals of this collaboration, it is also mindful of the pragmatic issues and the need for all parties to make a livelihood from their work.

The workshop program will include:

  1. Presentation of craft-design case studies from a range of regions and models
  2. Discuss the UNESCO model for Designers Meet Artisans
  3. Present hypothetical scenarios involving role play to explore the different interests at play in product development
  4. Identifying core principles towards a Code of Practice for Designers and Artisans

Intended audience

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Seminar 2: Growing your creative business

Presented by Textile Clothing Footwear (TCF) Australia
through Belmont Business Enterprise Centres Inc.
Venue: TBC
Cost of seminar: $30.00
Monday 9 March, 9:30 am - 12:00 noon

This seminar series will provide business workshops to conference delegates. The seminars will focus on Indigenous small businesses operating in the arts that include textiles, clothing, jewellery, accessories, paper making, felting and basketry areas. The series are suitable for artists, sole traders, arts centre managers, small businesses mangers, emerging entrepreneurs and retailers.

Two programs are on offer; one is for new and emerging makers and provides entry level business workshops. The other is for established companies that want to grow their businesses. Both workshops will cover specialist topics including financial management, environment and eco friendly Indigenous product development.

A mentoring desk will also be available after the workshops for individuals and organisations to request tailor made workshop programs relevant to their community group and special area of business focus.

Growing your creative business: for beginners
Presented by Carol Hanlon this seminar which will provide entry level information for emerging fashion, textile, jewellery and accessory designers, artists and entrepreneurs and will include:

Growing your creative business: for existing businesses
Presented by David Nissen this seminar which will provide information for those who wish to grow their existing business and will include:

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