Nets

‘NETS’

An exhibition of works by Australian artists responding to the theme of nets.

The exhibits show the Australian component of ‘NETS’ – a global project across the textile departments of three universities: University of Cumbria (UK), Novia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), Australia National University, Canberra (Australia).  The project aims to develop contemporary textiles practise and build connections between textile communities and departments within higher education. It explores new collaborative forms of education, mentoring, training and mutual support through textile practice. The theme came about through networking between the universities and it allows students and artists to explore nets, netting, networks and netted objects and associations in the widest, freest, individual interpretations.

Textile based production, the mother of both technology and modern design, is one of the oldest industries in the world, but also one of the most adventurous and forward thinking. The textile industry has always provided a platform for blending tradition with new technology, developing new materials, ways of working and forms.
‘NETS’ is a joint global venture which aims to explore current issues through textile practice and to raise the profile of textiles education internationally. ‘NETS’ focuses on creativity, imagination and collaboration. By nurturing a functioning network between different textile communities and institutions, we can celebrate the diversity of artistic power, dynamics and optimism of textile practice.

The ultimate aim of ‘NETS’ is to promote and develop textile artists and education and to equip artists and graduates with up-to-date skills to meet challenges, network internationally and seize new career opportunities. To achieve this goal, workshops were organised with artists from the community and students to work on the theme, learn techniques and explore ideas.