Millinery workshops and forums with leading fashion designers are some of the activities the Australian Wearable Art Festival is delivering in the build-up to its event next year.

The idea is to support artists and to raise awareness and funds for the  Sunshine Coast-based competition in May next year.

After a COVID-19 enforced-hiatus last year the Festival is focussed on providing a platform for people to explore their creativity and be inspired by wearable art.

“There has been a lot of conversation in the last year on how the arts positively impact not only our mental health but our economy,” said curator Wendy Roe. 

“The Australian Wearable Art Festival is a spectacular event that really inspires audiences. It’s unexpected, authentic and a unique showcase of the best wearable art from across Australia.

“We are committed to delivering events that create a fusion of fashion and art, reigniting people’s love affair with wearable art and giving our artists a platform to showcase their  work.”

Workshops this year will be held in weaving, papermaking, sculpting and floristry techniques so participants can create wearable art pieces such as a fascinator or jewellery.

Workshops are already underway with local artists such as Nambour’s Melanie Jeffers who is excited to be sharing her skills.

“As a milliner I see women experimenting with wearable art every time they put their race wear outfit together – the boundaries of art and fashion are often beautifully blurred,” said Melanie.

“I have been making hats and fascinators for over 11 years and I love pushing those boundaries. I also really enjoy helping people realise their creative vision and see them explore new skills and materials. 

“There is something magical about giving people the freedom to be creative and seeing their excitement when they finish a piece.”

• Workshop tickets start from $60. To find out more about the workshops or how to donate to this project visit www.australianwearableart.com.au

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