Five ways to discover the benefits of making by hand at the 2024 Craft + Design Festival | HerCanberra

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Five ways to discover the benefits of making by hand at the 2024 Craft + Design Festival

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The 2024 Craft + Design Festival Canberra highlights the role of creativity in community wellbeing and sustainable urban development.

We all know how stepping away from our devices can affect our state of mind – and now, the 2024 Craft + Design Festival Canberra is exploring how responding to culture, coupled with creative making, can shape healthier cities and communities.

This year’s festival will feature talks and workshops that explore the intersection of craft and mental health, creating opportunities for individuals to experience the therapeutic benefits of making by hand. Festival-goers will be able to engage in hands-on making experiences, learning craft and design skills from accomplished local artists, craftspeople and makers.

One of the festival’s key themes is the power of creativity and making by hand to drive better health outcomes. Research and results from innovative programs developed by the Black Dog Institute emphasise the tangible benefits of reconnecting with our inner artist – whether through ceramics, drawing, crafting, or reflection – on mental wellbeing.

“The act of self-expression, making by hand, connecting with the community and learning new skills all have positive psychological outcomes,” says Craft + Design Canberra’s CEO + Artistic Director Jodie Cunningham.

“Studies show that creative activities help people express their emotions, particularly in non-verbal ways. Learning new skills enhances people’s confidence and sense of self. Participation in creative programs can also be a social lifeline, reducing loneliness and fostering community connections.”

Festival talks and symposiums will also address the crucial issue of urban regeneration. From discussions with leading architects to workshops exploring the future of urban design, attendees will gain valuable insights into how creativity can reshape cities for the better. The focus on this year’s festival theme of REGENERATE highlights how creative design thinking is integral to revitalising urban spaces to make them more inclusive, adaptive and responsive to local needs.

Five workshops designed to encourage wellness through making by hand

These workshops are a great way to boost your confidence, connect with the community, and explore self-expression through hands-on creativity, all while gaining new skills with proven emotional and wellbeing benefits.

Eco Crafting Jewellery Making with Recycled Materials with visiting artist Alexi Freeman

Join regenerative designer and artisanal jeweller Alexi Freeman for a hands-on, family-friendly workshop exploring the creative potential of repurposed materials, transforming discarded domestic household recycling into unique, eco-conscious and wearable art. Suitable for all ages and abilities, this drop-in session encourages environmental reflection and artistic expression through eco-sustainable craft practices.

Alexi Freeman is a featured artist in the exhibition ’Speculative Materialism’ running concurrently to the festival at the Craft + Design Canberra Gallery.

Saturday 2 November, 10 am – 12 noon | Festival Hub, Civic Square, Canberra City | FREE – no booking required

Chrysalis: Waste to Art with visiting artist Minka Gillian

Minka Gillian | Mind Garden (detail), 2023 | Image courtesy of the artist.

Join artist Minka Gillian to explore the transformative power of recycled materials. In this workshop you will discover how to regenerate rubbish into a small, Chrysalis netted sculpture, turning waste into art. This hands-on experience invites you to weave personal stories and creativity while highlighting the potential for beauty in everyday materials. You will be guided through the process of turning everyday waste into art, demonstrating how creativity can breathe new life into materials often overlooked.  Both beginners and experienced artists are welcome.

Minka will introduce you to her installation Mind Garden, part of the current exhibition ‘Speculative Materialism’ in the Craft + Design Canberra Gallery, and discuss some of the concepts behind her choices of materials, their impact and artistic possibilities. You will then learn basic techniques for working with recycled manmade materials, with plenty of room for individual experimentation and innovation. Materials and tools will be provided but the participants are more than welcome to bring some of their own materials. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have a unique piece to take home, along with a deeper appreciation for the artistic and environmental significance of using recycled materials.

Minka Gillian is a featured artist in the exhibition ’Speculative Materialism’ running concurrently to the festival at the Craft + Design Canberra Gallery.

Sunday 3 November, 1 pm – 4 pm | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book your ticket here

Textile Transformations: Queer Threads with artist Henry Shawcross

Transform a scrap of fabric into a symbol of queer pride with textile collage, a technique that breathes new life into discarded textiles. This workshop is inspired by the significance of textiles in LGBT history such as the rainbow flag and the AIDS memorial quilt. It offers the opportunity to regenerate old fabric and carry its personal meaning into a pride patch or badge. Firstly you’ll create a drawing or design of your chosen pride symbol that will be the starting point of your textile artwork. Then enjoy the process of selecting colours, patterns, and textures from fabrics that convey the meaning of your drawing. Finally you’ll cut and join together these scraps with stitch or glue, making an evocative and richly textured artwork. You are encouraged to bring discarded fabric of your own to use if you wish.

Suitable for adults and teenagers (12+)

Thursday 7  November, 5.30 pm – 8.30 pm | Craft + Design Canberra, 180 London Circuit, Canberra City | Book your tickets here

Yarn Sticks with Harry’s Clarry

Join First Nations artist Harry’s Clarry (Kamilaroi) to make your own personal Yarn Stick and tell your story through colour and weaving. Yarn Sticks are a sustainable craft using natural sticks, emu feathers, natural weaving materials and reclaimed yarn.

Friday 8 November, 3.30 – 5 pm and 5.30 pm – 7 pm | Canberra Centre, City Walk, Canberra City | Book your tickets here

HerCanberra is a proud media sponsor of 2024 Craft + Design Festival Canberra.

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