Craft and the New Economy Symposium.

Greetings, Citizens.

I am just dropping a line to let you all know about a very exciting and fast-approaching conference that City of Craft is involved in. I can let their press copy do most of the explaining (see below); I mostly wanted to share this information because this event is doing a lot to bridge those ever-present gaps between divergent craft communities and practices in our area (and beyond). With speakers flying in from all over, this is the sort of convergence that the indie/DIY scene can rarely muster the resources to produce. That's why we are so fortunate that the Ontario Crafts Council took the project on. And here it is, in our city and open to all!

As a side note, yours truly (Becky Johnson) will be present and will be moderating a session on DIY and Craftivism and City of Craft co-founder Jen Anisef, will be presenting her findings from a brand new study of craft in non-urban Onatrio (commissioned by the OCC). I am really excited for that latter happning.

The run-down:

Craft and the New Economy Symposium
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Registration opens 8:45 am l Symposium from 9:45 am - 6:00 pm l Reception 6 - 8 pm
OCAD University, 100 McCaul Street, Auditorium

Craft and the New Economy is a one day symposium that will create a conversation around the different contexts of making a living, and the intersections between craft, technology, DIY, design, and architecture.

We’ve got a lineup of incredible local, national and international speakers, including Sandra Alfoldy, Jen Anisef, Maria Buszek, Melanie Egan, Neil Forrest, Kriston Gene, Rachel Gotlieb, Becky Johnson, Garth Jonhson, Patty Johnson, Shelia Kennedy, Marie O'Mahony, Justin Novak, Matthew Ratto and Ruth Scheuing.

Topics include Sustainable Business Practice and Commercial Contexts, DIY and Craftivism and well as Engaging with Technology and Design.

The day finishes with a closing reception for registrants to be held onsite at OCADU in the Great Hall from 6 - 8 pm.

This is not only your chance to think through some of today's challenges and opportunities, but to meet up with other people who care about the same things you do. Who knows where ideas and connections will lead to? Come to Craft and the New Economy to find out.