Expressions of Interest are now open for Crafted Futures: West.
Crafted Futures: West is a creative professional development program brought to you by Craft in partnership with Wyndham City Council. Formerly known as Crafts Association of Victoria, Craft is the leading professional organisation championing contemporary craft and Australian makers.
Emerging and established visual artists and makers are invited to submit an expression of interest for this new and exciting four-month mentoring and professional development opportunity.
This new program is designed to strengthen the capacity of local artists and makers to develop sustainable, long-term creative careers.
This initiative is offered at no cost to participants and will support 15 creative practitioners connected to Wyndham who wish to enhance their professional skills within the visual arts, craft, and design sectors. The program focuses on fostering professional growth, sustainability, and confidence in navigating the creative industries.
Crafted Futures: West provides participants with:
- industry insight
- community building and networking opportunities
- targeted training
- and sustained support towards goals
Program Activity
The professional development program will run from February – August 2026, combining individual mentoring with group professional development sessions.
The program will include:
- 1 x 4-hour workshop with Craft
- 1 x 30min 1-on-1 mentoring session
- 2-hour small group critiques
- All participants will receive complimentary Craft Maker Memberships for one year
Expression of interests will be assessed by a panel comprising of representatives from Wyndham City Council and Craft.
Successful applicants will demonstrate the following selection criteria:
- artistic merit
- commitment to professional development
- and clearly articulated rationale of how they will benefit from participation in the program.
- be over 18 years of age
For question or further information please contact wyndhamartgallery@wyndham.vic.gov.au
Submit an Expression of Interest
How to apply
- Describe your primary artform / discipline (e.g., visual arts, performance, music, writing, digital) (max 50 words)
- Describe your current creative practice (max 250 words)
- Why would you like to participate in this program? (max 300 words)
- What specific skills, knowledge, or support are you seeking from a mentor? (max 250 words)
- How do you see this program contributing to your artistic or professional development? (max 300 words)
- CV (max two pages)
- Examples of your work
Key Dates
| ACTIVITY | DATE / TIME |
| EOIs open | 11 February, 2026 |
| EOIs close | 11 March, 2026 |
| EOI Panel Assessment | March, 2026 |
| Artist Engaged by | 6 April, 2026 |
| Program Commences | 2 May, 2026 |
| Program Concludes | August, 2026 |
| Participant Evaluation | 21 September, 2026 |
FAQs
What forms of creative practice are eligible for this program?
All forms of visual art are eligible. Mindful that the program is presented by Craft whose expertise is craft based, however, contemporary craft is multidisciplinary and spans all contemporary forms. You could check out the Craft exhibition past program to see all the different artforms that have been presented.
Is this program IRL or online?
IRL with an online option for the 1-on-1 mentoring session.
Does this program incur any costs to participate?
No
Do l need to be available for every key date?
Yes
About Craft
Craft are dedicated to supporting, presenting, and producing craft and design-focused creative practices. Find out more at www.craft.org.au
Craft Maker Membership inclusions
Member Benefits
- Profiled on the Craft Maker Directory
- Free first session and priority access for new maker mentorship program, Craft Crits
- Free access to monthly Advice Clinics. Presented by experts in their field, the online sessions cover a range of topics and opportunities for professional development.
- Free or discounted tickets to Craft events, workshops, masterclasses and resources
- 10% off purchases in-store and online at the Craft Maker Showcase (excludes exhibition artworks)
- Consideration for exhibitions and eligibility to apply to exhibit in the Vitrine Gallery
- Eligibility to sell your work in the Maker Showcase
- Maker opportunities and updates via Craft’s eNews
- Invitations to Craft exhibition openings
- Connect with like-minded professionals at events and receive support from peers and Craft team
Image credit: Claire Armstrong courtesy Craft.