World Crafts Council Asia Pacific called for applications from the South Pacific sub-region to the Craft Master Program. The aim is to recognise and honour masters in their chosen craft form.
Initiated in 2008, the Asia Pacific Region Craft Master program has organized three evaluations respectively in 2008, 2012 and 2016. It is organized every 4 years. Due to the pandemic, the 4th evaluation has been postponed to the year 2023.
60 finalists from the Asia Pacific Region will be nominated by their respective regions (10 from our region the South Pacific) and 30 finalists will be flown to Donyang China for the Awards Ceremony.
The 43 entries from the South Pacific region revealed an extraordinary group of craftspersons whose careers combine artistic success and leadership through education and mentoring. Unfortunately, our quota was limited to ten for this program.
The ten finalists from the South Pacific region selected by our judging panel are:
- Greg Daly
- Jennifer Kemarre Martiniello
- Kaetaeta Watson & Louisa Humphry
- Kirstie Rea
- Liz Williamson
- Marian Hosking
- Mary Dhapalany
- Prue Venables
- Rangi Kipa
- Sandra Black
We’re thrilled that our region is represented on the world stage but such an impressive group of craft masters. We respectfully acknowledge their significant contribution to our vibrant craft scene.
We will keep you updated about the outcome of the judging of world craft masters in China. And we look forward to a new crop of masters in the next iteration of this program in 2027.
Chair of the judging panel Jude van der Merwe comments, “I recently had the honour and privilege of being part of a skilled panel appointed to review nominations for the World Crafts Council Asia Pacific Craft Masters Award 2023. 43 nominations were received from Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and South Pacific islands. The quality and breadth of practice was astonishing and we are so grateful to all those skilled people who took the time and trouble to participate.”
We’re thrilled that our region is represented on the world stage but such an impressive group of craft masters. We respectfully acknowledge their significant contribution to our vibrant craft scene.
Ten finalists have been forwarded to the main panel in China and we look forward to seeing how the program unfolds over the next few months.
I congratulate all the master craftsmen from different countries, I leave you some crafts from Mexico, brothers of crafts
Thank you. Mexico is such a beautiful culture, especially your artisans.
I congratulate all the artisans from different countries, I share what we do in Mexico and congratulations to all.