Booming interest in DIY crafts, textiles and 'maker' activities has prompted a new program of events kicking off in Lake Mac from Monday 7 October.
The inaugural Make and Create Week will be held across Lake Mac Libraries branches, the Museum of Art and Culture, yapang, and the Multi-Arts Pavilion, mima, acting as a satellite event for the hugely popular Sydney Craft Week.
It will culminate with Maker-Con 24 at Windale Hub, bilyabayi, on 18 October, a gathering of makers, innovators and STEM educators.
Lake Macquarie City Council Manager Arts, Culture and Tourism Jacqui Hemsley said interest in art, craft and 'maker' activities spiked during COVID lockdowns and had remained strong ever since.
Demand is so strong that Council recently established a dedicated textiles and sewing area in Toronto Library, tirrabiyanba.
"I think in today's high-tech society, it can be really comforting and reassuring to create things from scratch, whether it's a simple woven bookmark or something more challenging," she said.
"We've created a program of events accessible to people of all ages and abilities, from those who have never tried this kind of thing to lifelong makers and crafters."
Scheduled events include:
- A yarn swap at Morisset Library, bawarramalang, on 8 October
- A DIY projector lamp workshop at MAP mima on 10 October
- A DIY clay Christmas gnome workshop at Sugar Valley Library Museum, kirantakamyari on 12 October
- A felted vessel workshop at MAC yapang on 15 October
- A textile taster workshop at Charlestown Library, walyamayi, on 17 October
Guest speakers at the 18 October Maker-Con include Questacon's Shelley Wilson, Tribotix Founder and Managing Director Peter Turner and Dr Luke Hespanol, Research Partnerships Lead and Director at the University of Sydney.
"Maker-Con is a one-day, one-stop shop for creativity and innovation," Ms Hemsley said.
"We'll be offering hands-on workshops and expert-led talks that showcase making, DIY culture and STEM education."
Some Make and Create Week events are free, while others are paid. Bookings are essential for all sessions.
