NAKED CRAFT NETWORK

“Craft
is significant to Canadian culture; historically, socially, culturally
and economically having the ability to unify and connect diverse
cultures, ethnicities and ways of life. Many people define craft
differently and consequently the term has a wide range of meanings and
values within contemporary society. We all have a connection to craft in
some way, through the products we consume, through the cultural
traditions passed down from generation to generation or through the
items and objects we encounter on a daily basis.  What draws people to
contemporary craft is authenticity, originality, creativity and the
tangible experience of an object that creates meaning and value beyond
its’ physical form.

The
Naked Craft Network is an international research project that brings
together the best of contemporary Canadian and Scottish craft.

Naked
Craft is designed to be playful in how it engages a public audience; at
a time in popular culture when the words “handcrafted” and “artisanal”
are the “it” words of marketing houses, attention must be redirected
back to craft itself. Craft is a sexy word, and Naked Craft intends to
show the viewer just how sexy craft itself can be. Naked Craft examines
craft practice through the four main themes: New Positions; Down and
Dirty: politics and materials; DIY; and Tooling up: new technologies and
economies.

Naked
Craft looks to contribute towards a better understanding of continuity
and change within the discipline. It is evident that despite the
cultural diversity and obstacles that influence craft making in Canada,
in Scotland, and around the world, there are many similarities and
shared values that influence the craft sector. In Canada we’re putting
forth a concerted effort toward public outreach and new ways of
presenting craft to audiences as diverse as the communities of craft
makers whom we support. With an increase in the awareness of
contemporary craft and an understanding of its value, comes the
potential of increased sales, consumption, recognition and promotion for
both makers and their objects. As such, both the individuals creating
craft as well as those consuming it are rewarded with culturally
enriching experiences, which support the local economy and encourage a
focus on high-quality craft objects that are lasting and well made. 

Naked Craft has spanned almost four years of research in two countries
and includes two workshop/residencies, three symposiums, a touring
exhibition and a publication. The NCN is interested in broadly
developing a better understanding of the relationships between the
identities that are inherently attributed to geopolitical regions of
practice, and the reciprocal role that the material production of craft
plays in building, maintaining and disseminating these identities in a
global arena of commerce and culture in the future. ” – via Naked Craft Website

THE NAKED CRAFT SYMPOSIUM

The
Naked Craft Symposium brings together makers, researches, and the
general public to discuss the themes explored throughout the Naked Craft
project, and to look forward at the future for craft.

 The symposium will take place at the Art Gallery of Burlington on Saturday June 27, 2015.

Member Registration: Symposium & Lunch $75.00 (Art Gallery of Burlington and Craft Ontario members)
Regular Registration: Symposium & Lunch $85.00
Student Registration: Symposium & Lunch $45.00

Registration online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/naked-craft-symposium-tickets-16144778467
Registration by phone: Heather at 905-632-7796 ext 307
Information: Denis at 905-632-7796 ext 303

Find the full schedule here.