artisan × Ingham Art Action: Making Matters

What do makers in North Queensland need to sustain and grow their practice?

Making Matters: Ingham is a day of talks, Speed Crits, conversation and connection for professional and semi-professional makers, presented by artisan and Ingham Art Action.

The program creates space for local makers to share work, exchange ideas and talk directly about the opportunities and challenges of sustaining a creative practice in regional North Queensland.

The day includes a snapshot of strategic actions emerging from artisan’s MADE 2026 Symposium, alongside practical sessions and conversations shaped around what local makers need. It will also explore opportunities for greater connection between makers across the region and Queensland, including the potential for the Japanese House Residency to become an annual part of artisan’s program.

The day culminates in a panel discussion bringing together artist Mari Hirata, Ann Vardanega (Ingham Art Action), Kate O’Hara (Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts) and Carmel Haugh (artisan) to discuss regional making, collaboration, residencies and new opportunities for artists and makers in North Queensland.

Who is it for?
Professional and semi-professional makers, artists, designers and craftspeople from North Queensland

9AM | Welcome + Making Matters
Meet the artisan and Ingham Art Action teams and hear about the day ahead, including ideas and strategic actions emerging from the MADE 2026 Symposium.

9:45 AM | Informal Talks + Conversations
Short talks and open conversations focused on the needs, opportunities and experiences of makers working in the region.

11 AM | Artist Talk with Mari Hirata at the Japanese House

Attendees are invited to join artist Mari Hirata for a special artist talk at the Japanese House as she shares the ideas, research and creative process behind The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie).  Separate registration for this event is essential: Artist Talk - The House of Floating Flowers (Ukibana no ie) | Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts

1PM | Speed Crits
Bring along your work, an idea or a project in development for a short, focused conversation and feedback session.

3pm | Panel Discussion: Regional Making, Connection + Opportunity
Join Mari Hirata, Ann Vardanega (Ingham Art Action), Kate O’Hara (Umbrella Studio Contemporary Arts) and Carmel Haugh (artisan) for a conversation about sustaining ambitious creative practice from regional Queensland and the role that networks, residencies and partnerships can play in creating new opportunities for makers.

artisan is Queensland’s premier craft and design organisation. The makers are central to everything they do.  artisan hosts exhibitions, social workshops, professional development, residency opportunities and their retail store. 

Queensland is a Makers' State - artisan continually collaborates across Queensland to honour and represent the breadth and depth of emerging, developing and established talent here.

Ingham Art Action Inc. members gather weekly to work, learn, socialise and participate in the ongoing events and workshops presented by local and external artist tutors. Monthly meetings keep the members involved and motivated to learn about what is planned. New members are welcom

Ingham Art Action Inc. members gather weekly at the clubhouse to work, learn, socialise and participate in the ongoing events and workshops presented by local and external artist tutors. Monthly meetings keep the members involved and motivated to learn about what is planned. New members are welcome.