Smart works: Symposium



The Smart works symposium was held on March 30, 31 and April 1, 2007.

video iconVideo documentation of the talks from the symposium are now available.

The program expanded on the themes of the Smart works exhibition and publication which together explore the work of around 40 enterprising designers and makers from Australia and New Zealand. Central to what these people do is their interest in the values of making objects by hand, and their enjoyment of the materials and processes they use. They like making one-off works, but also want to put their ideas into production.

Pincushion Light, Andrew Last (New Zealand). Photo by James Holcombe. Symposium program (pdf doc)

Smart works looks at individual responses to some of the questions all are asking, including:

  • How do they develop sustainable, viable businesses?
  • How does production change the value of the handmade?
  • Can they produce their designs themselves?
  • Should they contract aspects to specialist industries?
  • How do they integrate new technologies with hand skills?
  • How important is their knowledge of materials?
  • What are their experiences in working in other countries?
  • Where are their markets and how do they reach them?

The symposium considered these questions in the context of shifts in the West away from large manufacturing industries and towards ‘creative industries’, high-cost commodities and tourist economies; the development of new manufacturing centres such as in the East; and the impact of new technologies. It examined the options open to Australians and New Zealanders and the choices they are making in response to the challenges and opportunities provided by their location, their market place and the manufacturing capabilities of their region.

Speakers from the UK, Italy, Sweden, Australia and New Zealand talked about their views on global and local design and manufacture in relation to the handmade, while some of the participants in the Smart works exhibition told their personal stories. Many others exhibiting in Smart works were around to talk to.
Added to the presence of so many Smart works exhibitors, the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the attendees – some from very distant geographic locations – contributed to a highly exciting and useful event.

The event coincided with the Sydney showing of Object Gallery and Melbourne Museum’s Freestyle exhibition, and many galleries in Sydney listed their related crafts and design exhibitions for this symposium program.