MAKETI PLES 2012 - calling on Pacific artists and artisans

This is a call out to all Pacific Island-based artists and artisans. If you are not a creator, you may know an artist, artisan or an organisation who would welcome this information. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who you believe has the capacity to participate in this opportunity. Building upon the success of the inaugural “Maketi Ples - creating opportunities for Pacific Islands based artists and artisans” earlier this year, Pacific Islands Trade & Invest is pleased to confirm that Maketi Ples will return as the Creative Art keystone event in 2012. This prestigious event will open on Wednesday 22 February and close on Sunday 11 March. Maketi Ples 2012 will be held at Global Gallery, 5 Comber Street Paddington, NSW, Australia. The site lends itself to be the perfect host venue for both artists and visitors alike - not too stiff, a little rustic, warm and welcoming. It is a large open plan gallery located within 100 meters of Oxford Street. Global Gallery is very excited to have Maketi Ples and Pacific Islands based artists and artisans return in 2012. If you are a creator, you are invited to apply as a potential participant in Maketi Ples 2012 which promotes the work of PIC’s artisans directly to Australian consumers, designers, retailers, importers and the Australian media. To apply, all you need to do is go to complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) form (including any attachments) and return the EOI form before the closing date – 5pm AEST 14th November 2011. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the 21st November. Participation criteria: You must be an artist or artisans living and creating in the 14 Forum Island Countries. (More info here.) Have a proven sales history of your creations/artwork (in the domestic, regional or international market) Have a product or products that have potential saleability in the international market WHAT PT&I OFFERS YOU: The Creative Arts service offering to the PICs creative arts sector will be to provide the venue, project management and co-ordinate the event, act as the Australian facilitator, provide framing and exhibition support. PT&I will actively promote the event, guided by and in consultation with public relations specialists. WHAT SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS HAVE TO DO: The successful applicants are expected to exhibit the products as submitted in their EOI, provide information about their product/s, personal bios or creators statement and product photographs, undertake the cost of freight of their work (to and from Sydney), adequately insure their products (to and from Sydney as well as for the duration of the exhibition) and are expected to fund their attendance at the exhibition for a minimum of one week. If successful applicants want to exhibit other or alternative products to what was submitted in their original EOI, this must be discussed and negotiated with the Creative Arts manager. Participant’s attendance costs include travel to and from place of origin, Australian Entry Visa, accommodation and daily expenses. It is expected that the event will deliver: To the PIC creators sales insight into Australian consumer purchasing habits direct feedback from the consumer market opportunity to engage with potential importers, designers and other commercial opportunities engage with other creators from PIC’s Some products that we are seeking: wooden and metal products – contemporary and traditional art works contemporary fine art - paintings and 3D works woven items – mats, bags, headwear, hand fans, baskets jewellery - body and/or hair adornments textiles – barkcloth, tivaevae, elei prints, hand printed fabric homewares – wall hangings, stools, light fittings ceramics - contemporary and traditional If you have any enquires about the application process, or if you are interested in being a partner or becoming a sponsor of Maketi Ples, please contact the Creative Arts Manager, Ruth Choulai: Email : ruth.choulai@pacifictradeinvest.com Phone : (612) 9290 2133 Fax : (612) 9299 2151 If you would like more information about how PIT&I assist Pacific Island businesses, please visit our website, www.pacifictradeinvest.com, or call 612 9290 2133.