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Selling Yarns 3: Weaving the nation's story was a four-day event that presented a conference, a market day, workshops, an exhibition and associated activities program, and launched the inaugural Indigenous Art Film program. As the premier national forum for Indigenous textile and fibre in the country it was supported by the Centenary of Canberra, drawing people to the nation's capital from across the country.

Thirty Indigenous communities and art centres and 134 artists from every state and territory in Australia converged in Canberra to participate in Selling Yarns 3: Weaving the nation's story. Indigenous artists and elders, and art administrators, came together and participated as speakers, workshop facilitators and market stall holders to share their stories, exchange their knowledge and skills, and to trade. They opened their hearts to each other and to other conference delegates and visitors. As Tim Growcott so eloquently stated post conference:

"An authentic spirit of reconciliation coursed strongly throughout the four days, with so many stories and examples of practical collaborations and life- changing projects. The conference was a recognition of the important and sensitive work being accomplished by like-minded creators, forging links with the living past and forming models for healing into the future."

The project was a huge success, inspiring artists and creating strategic alliances between Indigenous communities across Australia. There has been significant cross cultural engagement and inspiration with international Indigenous artists and culture which paves the way for lasting relationships with opportunities to develop further collaborations and joint projects. Establishing dialogue and sharing cross-cultural exchanges with international artists, curators and researchers has placed Australian Indigenous textile practice within the broader international arena.

• Selling Yarns 3 report [PDF 410 kB]

See also:

• - Old and new, by Dr Louise Hamby
• - Women with Clever Hands
• - Video—Selling Yarns 2: Innovation for sustainability

Selling Yarns 3: Weaving the nation's story was developed by:

• National Museum of Australia
• The Australian National University Research School of Humanities and the Arts
• Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

Advisory Committee

• Avi Amesbury – Executive Director, Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre
• Dr Louise Hamby – Adjunct Fellow, Digital Humanities Hub, Research School of Humanities and the Arts, The Australian National University
• Dr Christiane Keller – Visiting Academic, Australian National University School of Archaeology and Anthropology
• Valerie Kirk – Head of Textiles, ANU School of Art, The Australian National University
• Mary-Lou Nugent – Travelling Exhibitions, National Gallery of Australia
• Jilda Simpson – Yuwaalaraay woman, Doctorate candidate, Australian National University Research School of Humanities

Selling Yarns 3 is a Centenary of Canberra project, proudly supported by the ACT Government and the Australian Government.