Get ready for SCW 2019

Want to be part of Sydney Craft Week 2019 but not sure how yet? In this news story, we share with you some ideas and planning suggestions.

Sydney Craft Week (SCW) call for entries will open in May. SCW will be seeking applications from individuals, collectives or organisations wanting to independently host an event, that celebrates the exceptional quality of local craft in Sydney.

In 2017 and 2018, the main event categories included Workshops, Open Studios, Exhibitions, Talks, Live Demonstrations and Retail Events. There were some pop ups, markets and meet the maker experiences too. We have seen some really unique and diverse events which we would love to see more of this year, like crafty walking tours, speed-dating with clay and finding craft in surprising locations like libraries and gardens.

This year’s theme is PLAY. Unlock your sense of joy and feel free to play to the theme.

We cannot wait to see how the programme evolves and grows in 2019!

Sydney Craft Week Key Dates and Timeline
We are excited to announce the Sydney Craft Week 2019 timeline. Put these dates in your diary now.
 

2 May: Expressions of Interest open

12 June: Entry deadline

11 July: Participants notified and ad specs sent

25 July: Final text and images sent to ADC for program

19 September: Program live

Festival: Friday 11 – Sunday 20 October 2019

Opening Night: Friday 11 October 6pm – 8pm at ADC

Craft Up Late:

Tuesday 15 October 5pm – 8pm: Sydney City, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Redfern 

Wednesday 16 October 5pm – 8pm: Eastern Suburbs 

Thursday 17 October 5pm – 8pm: Inner West

For consideration…
Here are a few tips and pointers to help you prepare before the applications open:
 

• Start asking questions like: Where will I host my event? Is the venue available during Sydney Craft Week? What dates will I host the event? Will there be a fee and how will I ticket the event? Who can I collaborate or work with? Who will be my target audience? What is the budget for the event?
• Whilst Sydney Craft Week is held within a 10 day timeframe, we encourage events to fall either side or overlap with Sydney Craft Week: Friday 11 – Sunday 20 October 2019. Do not feel too restricted by the date timeframe. As long as some of your event is held within the ‘week’ or held immediately before or after, then it is eligible for consideration.
• You may need to consider getting public liability insurance for your event. Chat with the venue or get some advice from NAVA or your preferred insurance provider.
• We will be requiring you to send us images to support your event listing. Great photos will entice people to your event so start preparing photos now to make your event truly stand out. Think about composition, lighting and styling when taking your photos.

SCW Event inspiration

Looking to host an event, but not settled on an idea yet? We would recommend you glance at the 2018 programme for inspiration. Alternatively, we have also brainstormed some ideas for events that you may like to consider. We would love to see a really eclectic programme, so feel free to think outside the box!

Event ideas:

• Intergenerational activities – something for the young and old!
• Teaming up with writers and bloggers
• Hosting a craft swap meet
• Creating a collaborative / public installation work
• Collaborating with craft suppliers and retailers for a bespoke event / offer
• Getting your office involved in craft activities or running an event to get to know your neighbours over craft
• Running a craft competition or prize
• What about releasing podcasts, webinars, digital craft howto’s, or a curated blog series?
• Pairing food and craft together in an event (SCW also falls during Good Food Month)
• Hosting a talk or panel with useful tips on the business side of craft
• Hosting a ‘Meet the Maker’ or a networking event for makers
• Getting your school or university clubs and societies involved
• Crafternoons! Host an open making session.

FAQ

I am a maker, how can I get involved?

Approach your favourite local gallery / retailer / café / creative space / library / school or talk to your local council and community centres. Maybe they would be happy to partner, sponsor, collaborate or host your event?

If collaborating or hosting a ‘big’ event is not quite your style, why not host an Open Studio or partake in live demonstrations. Get a few creative friends together and make a day of it.

Alternatively, apply to be a stallholder at a local market, or enter work in to a group exhibition and suggest the organisers list the market/ show as a SCW event.

I am already running an event in October, can I list it as a SCW event?
YES! As long as it relates broadly to craft and is being held in Sydney, then yes!
 

There were some great crafty events already planned over Sydney in October 2018, that tied in beautifully with the SCW programming last year, such as the Artisans in the Gardens exhibition and Made by Hand: Hazelhurst Art and Design Market.

What does the participation fee cover?

Participation fee is: $83 inc GST

The participation fee entitles you to one 150 word listing in the program. This listing could cover multiple events.

Being a participant of the festival means you:

• become part of a wider craft community network
• are exposed to new audiences
• part of a fantastic calendar of events, that draws great media attention.

Your event will be listed in our print program, on our website and in social media. We may additionally feature your event in news stories, EDMs and list your event on external websites.

What events are Australian Design Centre planning this year for Sydney Craft Week?

Exhibitions 3 October – 13 November:

• Profile ’19: Jewellery by JMGA NSW
• Australian Tapestry Workshop
• Korean Cultural Centre – Pojagi (Object Space)

Events:
11 October: Sydney Craft Week Opening Night

19 October: ADC Makers Market

Keep your eyes peeled as our programming develops.
 

Contact Us
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with the Sydney Craft Week team

Email: hello@australiandesigncentre.com

Phone: 9361 4555

Web: www.sydneycraftweek.com
Social: @sydneycraftweek