An Idea Formed
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.
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 Formed
This site is based on an original graphic
design
by Courtney DUFF 2002
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.
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.
Expansion
Continual upgrading and innovation has kept the Fair alive. Annual attractions for the public and awards for the exhibitors have played a significant part. Developments have included the following:
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 has been moved to the Rotary Pavilion.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. An elite craft display with goods available for purchase.
Web Site History
Over recent years the World Wide Web has provided our primary means of documenting these fairs. The following links will take you to our previous web sites, albeit, now located on a different server.
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