Selling Yarns

Australian Indigenous textiles and good business in the 21st century

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Conference: 13 - 14 August 2006

Update 7 March 2007
The Selling Yanrs conference and workshops were a huge success and an overview of the three days, highlighting key points that emerged from the event, can be read on the Craft Australia website.

A selection of the Selling Yarns conference papers have been published online through the Craft Australia Research Centre.

The Selling Yarns: Australian Indigenous textiles and good business in the 21st century conference investigated best practice and sustainability in the Indigenous textile industry. Held over 2 days at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory the conference coincided with the 23rd Telstra National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards.

The first day of the conference focused on the making of textile art, from both an international and national perspective. Discussions focused on an overview of current business and marketing practice in the production and promotion of work.

The second day explored business opportunities and examples Australia wide with speakers addressing government support and funding, copyright issues, small business endeavours, partnerships, export opportunities and options for a more sustainable future practice.

Keynote speakers include Dr W. Richard West Jnr, Founding Director, National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institute, Washington DC, USA and Mr Ron Morony, General Manager, Indigenous Business Australia.

The Selling Yarns: Australian Indigenous textiles and good business in the 21st century conference has been initiated by The Australian National University (ANU), National Institute of the Humanities and Creative Arts in association with the ANU National Centre for Indigenous Studies, Centre for Cross Cultural Research and School of Art, in partnership with Craft Australia and Territory Craft.