SYDNEY 16-20 July 2009

Conference Themes
Facing the Future will focus on the relationship between contemporary ceramic practice and the emergence of diverse social, cultural and technological global forces.
Facing Asia
The rise of Asia as a dominant force in global ceramics and the changing relationship, tensions, dynamics between China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, India and Australasia.
New/New -radical ceramic trends in Asia (technical, conceptual, interdisciplinary.
New/Old - contemporary Asian artists working within traditions but breaking new ground.
Future Practice
Emerging artists and designers.
Impact of new technologies and materials on studio practice, particularly the hand-made.
Sustainability, environmental and ethical concerns
Ceramics practice and the crossing and merging of visual art and design disciplines.
Activate Cultivate
Education designed to link people of all ages with innovative and established ceramic practice.
Outsider art, specialist fields, reaching the wider community
Clay and text - expand, challenge, engage with critical discourse in the field of craft and design
Collections and collectors
Regional Reach
Addresses NSW urban and regional narratives reflecting the diversity of historic and contemporary NSW ceramic practice including Aboriginal and multi-cultural communities.
On-line education and virtual galleries with a focus on NSW urban and regional interaction.
Survival kits - professional practice, business strategies, production, marketing and distribution of work.
