THE
REASON:
During the decades
prior to 1980 we lived in an era known as the "hippie" years; the "make
love not war" period. Movement of younger people around the nation was
very high as individuals dropped out of society and sought "peace" in other
fashions. These nomadic groups congregated in various locations and one
such location was Deloraine. Strangers to the community were squatting/settling
in groups supposedly living on the dole and bludging on society. This apparent
free loading on society caused friction. Within any community any divisions
between the new comers and the established more conservative residents
soon became noticeable.
IDENTIFICATION:
This ever increasing
gap with associated uneasiness between the groups was identified by Deloraine
Rotarian John Sullivan. He also discovered that many of these newcomers
had skills with their hands that were not previously seen within this community.
The skills ranged from working with clay, hides, timber, metals, stone,
to mention but a few. John identified that if these crafts people could
be provided with an opportunity to sell their products, then they would
be seen to become contributors to society.
A CRAFT
FAIR BORN:
John's idea was
taken up by the Rotary Club of Deloraine which commenced development of
the inaugural event in 1981. This was called THE
TASMANIAN COTTAGE INDUSTRY EXHIBITION AND CRAFT FAIR. The Fair boasted
34
exhibitors and over the two days attracted around 3,000 people to
the local Community Centre. It was a huge success as it provide
a window of opportunity for the craft folk to display and sell their products
to the community; to become contributors to the community. This
started the process of bringing the different groups of the community together.
An appreciation of others points of view and desires for life was evident
as bridges between factions began to be built.
ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS:
*
A “working” event where the maker could be seen by the consumer.
*
An “educational” event where the public could talk with and learn from
the
maker.
*
An event that supported ONLY the creator, designer - maker of craft items
from
locally available materials.
*
NO imported products or designs or packages.
*
Products that are truly Australian made.
DEVELOPMENT:
Over the ensuing
years the Fair continued to develop and expand. Increased numbers from
both exhibitors and attendees. As the Fair grew it was necessary to find
additional accommodation so the Fair spread throughout various venues around
the town and gallery owners became involved. Cottage
industries blossomed to include cheese; wine; liqueurs; truffles; etc.
.
NAME
CHANGE:
The Fair grew to
such an extent that it gained recognition as a major Tasmanian event. Publicity
for the Fair began to go national and to attract any form of Government
assistance, in 1993 The Rotary Club decided to change the name from the
Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Craft Fair (a mouthful) to the
TASMANIAN
CRAFT FAIR. This gave focus to the State in
addition to the event. We now refer to the show as The Tasmanian Craft
Fair, at Deloraine, presented by the Rotary Club of Deloraine. Locals still
use the phrase "The Deloraine Craft Fair" affectionately.
ADDITIONS:
Continual upgrading
and innovation has kept the Fair alive. Annual attractions for the public
and awards for the exhibitors have played a significant part. Examples
follow:
GUEST NATION:
We often have "Guest
Nations". This is when we have attracted a
group from another area of the world to bring their crafts to Deloraine,
to introduce ideas and dimensions of another culture to our culture. Guests
have been from The People's Republic of China (twice) and Japan.
EMERGING ARTIST:
Each year we invite
an artisan who has shown huge potential within their chosen medium to be
our guest at the Fair. A premium position is allocated and an introduction
to all media is ensured. This is seen as a launching pad for individuals
who have achieved and now need the recognition to assist their career path.
FEATURE ARTIST:
We select an artisan
that excels in a particular medium to promote. The selection varies annually
and can reflect the year's theme or product or medium.
FASHION PARADE:
In 1998 a Fashion Parade was introduced.
It was conducted by Anne Hall-Brown from Southern Cross Country and proved
a great success. All the clothing and accessories shown were originals
from exhibitors within the Fair. This project
is being developed to become a major draw card and will be moved to the
Rotary Pavilion.
THE TASMANIAN EXHIBITION:
This is a curated
section also introduced in 1998. Exhibition is by invitation only and is
designed
to have the cream of Tasmanian artisans display their works. Curators for
the inaugural year and for 1999 are Jennie Thomas and Ken Lockwood editors
of Craft Arts International magazine, Sydney.
An elite craft display with goods available
for purchase.
THE
TASMANIAN SHEEP DOG TRIALS:
Although the sheep-dog
trials are not a part of the Fair they are run in conjunction. These working
animals and their trainers provide light relief for patrons and add to
the country atmosphere enjoyed at Deloraine.
CURRENT
NOTES:
*
In
1998 around
220 stalls attracting over 30,000 people to a community
that has a resident population of 2,000.
*
Displays now are in 12 venues spread throughout
the community
*
In addition we have 6
Galleries; antique businesses, studios.
*
The total community plays a part over the
four day period. Local service
clubs, schools, church groups, businesses, sporting groups volunteer
community groups all provide services for reward.
*
The Fair provides a venue for artisans to
test the market with new
products and designs.
*
The Fair provides a collective of artisans
and craft for gallery or
retail tourist operator buyers.
*
The Fair has tremendous potential to increase
tourism to the district with
associated spin-offs from intrastate, interstate and internationally.
1998 EXHIBITOR AWARDS & SPONSORS:
