Craft often feels like the less popular cousin, and yet, activity within the craft sector internationally is testament that it is a thriving and celebrated edge of contemporary practice in our times.
To assist in shifting that perspective – and to lead in advocacy, policy development, communication, support and promotion of Crafts in the Asia Pacific Region – the new organisation, the Australian Pacific Craft Alliance (APCA), has been created.
What will APCA do?
APCA will be headquartered in Perth, Western Australia. It will follow a similar model to the European Crafts Alliance (ECA), with its established network of almost 40 member organisations from more than 20 European countries.
In contrast to its partner organisation, APCA will focus on the Asia Pacific region.
Inaugural Chair of APCA, Jude van der Merwe OAM, explains: ‘APCA has a deep network and excellent board representation, with partnerships across this immense region – from Oman in the west to South Korea in the east; Kazakhstan in the North and Sri Lanka in the south; and reaching into the vast South Pacific Ocean.
Encompassing more than 70 countries and nations from east to west, APCA’s mission is to protect existing crafts, promote evolving craft traditions and support the work of our many partner and member organisations.’
She continues: ‘We believe that sharing, advocating to government, sharing research, and creating opportunities for presenting exemplary (work) will prove a material benefit to the organisations and countries within our respective regions.’
A memorandum of strategic cooperation has been established with the European Crafts Alliance, enabling both groups to better share resources and knowledge.
Ana Cristina Mendes, the President of the ECA Board of Directors, says: ‘We recognise that building alliances and presenting a united voice is extremely important when advocating for supportive government policies and strengthening the capacity of the craft sector, not just in Europe, but around the world.’
Patroness of the organisation, HM the Queen Mother of Bhutan: ‘The world today faces many challenges, yet the enduring values of craftsmanship – patience, respect, and innovation – remain a guiding light. Through collaboration, compassion, and creativity, I am confident that the Asia-Pacific Crafts Alliance will chart a path towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and inspired future.’
Read: Rethinking craft: 5 questions with international craft platform Homo Faber
Asia Pacific to be part of craft’s validation globally
van der Merwe says: ‘Gone are the days when craft was a second-class citizen to other art forms.’
She continues: ‘Today through the work of the Indian Ocean Craft Triennial in WA, the Cheongju Craft Biennale in South Korea, The Jingdezhen Ceramic Prize in China and major international awards such as the Loewe Foundation Award, curators are seeking the artists and artisans who work with the traditional materials, skills, knowledge and stories implicit in craft making.
‘Curators worldwide are seeking authenticity and are looking to those craft traditions and the artists and artisans who work within them to share their work in major institutional galleries and museums.’
The new organisation will service as a portal for connection and a peak body for advocacy, bringing greater visibility to makers in the Asia Pacific region, including our makers here in Australia.
She adds that, ‘It is estimated that over 300 million people worldwide made their primary income from crafts’.
Further details will be announced in November.
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