Getting ready for SCW 2021

Thinking about applying for Sydney Craft Week 2021 but needing some advice? Below we share with you some tips and ideas.

‘Craft Values’ is the theme for Sydney Craft Week 2021. What do we value about craft and what do we value as craftspeople?
SCW is calling for entries from makers, galleries, shops, guilds, libraries, councils and other organisations for exhibitions, workshops and events during and around the festival period Friday 8 – Sunday 17 October 2021.

Sydney Craft Week Key Dates
2 May: Expressions of Interest open
25 June: Entry deadline
9 July: Participants notified
25 July: Final text and images sent to ADC for program
2 September: Website live
16 September: Program live

Festival: Friday 8 – Sunday 17October 2021
Opening Night: Friday 8 October 6pm – 8pm at ADC

Craft Up Late:
Tuesday 12 October 5pm – 8pm (Sydney City, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Redfern)
Wednesday 13 October 5pm – 8pm (Northern and Eastern Suburbs)
Thursday 14 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 ten day timeframe, we encourage events to fall either side or overlap with Sydney Craft Week. 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 past programs for inspiration. SCW Print Guides
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:

Teaming up with writers and bloggers
Hosting a craft swap meet
Intergenerational activities - something for the young and old!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 how to’s, or a curated blog series?
Pairing food and craft together in an event
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!

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.
Besides hosting an event, you can get involved with Sydney Craft Week in many different ways. You may consider:

Taking an ad out in the Sydney Craft Week print program. You can pay for a half, full or double page spread in the guide. The deadline for this is each June.
Donating supplies or services (we are always on the lookout for give-aways as door prizes or workshop supplies, for example).
Sharing our news and events via your mailing lists and social media (we can provide you with a media pack).
Distributing Sydney Craft Week guides to participants and venues or stocking them in your shop/ cafe/ business.
Volunteering for Sydney Craft Week.

What events are Australian Design Centre planning this year for Sydney Craft Week?
Exhibitions 8 October – 17 November:
- Profile 2021: Contemporary Jewellery and Object Award
- Studio Woodworkers
- Soraya Abidin: Miners Wife (Object Space)
- Makers Market - 16 October (10-4pm)

Sydney Craft Week is about celebrating creativity and the handmade in all its forms. This festival creates the opportunity for the whole community to engage with craft, experience the benefits of making, and purchase local handmade work.

Contact Us
If you have any further questions, please get in touch with the Sydney Craft Week team.
Email: sydneycraftweek@australiandesigncentre.com
Phone: 9361 4555

Apply now

Images: Left: Eren Li, Craft Supplies. Photo: Courtesy Pexels. Right: Workshops, SCW 2020 at Kilnit. Photo: Courtesy Kilnit.