Australian artists to bring even more innovation to market

The Australia Council for the Arts is calling for applications to its 2007 Maker to Manufacturer to Market (MMM) initiative. Four grants of $30,000 each are available.

The aim of MMM is to encourage the development of successful models of industry practice in the Australian contemporary design maker sector, with object designers and manufacturers developing relationships that lead to significant sales.

Funding is available to craft and design artists who demonstrate the potential to make a prototype, manufacture a product, and then package their work for the market.

This year’s program – the third since its introduction – will focus on the needs of the marketplace and encourage more collaboration between the designer and the manufacturer. The project development timeline has been extended from 12 months to two years to enable this collaboration.

Australia Council for the Arts chief executive officer Kathy Keele said the initiative aimed to assist visual arts professionals navigate the complexity of the current marketplace.

‘The Australia Council is pleased to be able to bridge the gap between the artist and the manufacturer, and the success of the past two years shows how manufacturers can benefit from the special character and scope of design excellence and innovation in Australia.

'The original work of past recipients truly reflects the vibrancy and maturity of contemporary design in Australia. We’re hoping 2007 will continue the success of the program so far, spawning more innovation here in Australia and showcasing more of Australia’s distinctive craft and design offerings to the world,’ Ms Keele said.

More information

Victoria McClelland-Fletcher
Communication Officer
Ph: (02) 9215 9008
Mob: 0400 808 013
Email v.mcclelland@ozco.gov.au