Living Creatively

Inspired! design across time

This permanent exhibition uncovers the ways in which designers, makers, industries and entrepreneurs interact to make extraordinary objects. It reveals the passion of creators, the power of objects and the pleasure they give people who use and treasure them.

Where: Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris Street , Ultimo, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Dresden - Green Vault - arts and crafts

The famous Green Vault in Dresden – founded in around 1560 by Elector Augustus – is Europe's richest, most magnificent treasure chamber museum. The collection includes masterpieces of jewellery and goldsmithery, exquisite amber and ivory treasures, jewelled vessels and elaborate bronze statuettes.

Where: Dresden Royal Palace, Residence castle, Taschenberg 2 , Dresden GERMANY

When: January 1st – December 31st

Leura Markets

First Sunday of each month

Where: Leura Public School, Great Western Higway, Leura, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Blackheath Craft Markets

Third Sunday of every month

Where: Blackheath Community Hall, Great Western Highway, Blackheath, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Mirror of the World: Books & Ideas

This semi-permanent exhibition provides an overview of the history of book production, design and illustration, with a display of fine examples from the Library's collections dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Where: Dome Galleries, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Hawthorn Craft Market

The Hawthorn Craft Market boasts around 100 stalls per month selling quality hand crafted wares and home grown produce on the first Sunday of every month.

Where: Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Sydney Opera House Market

Overlooking one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, the Sydney Opera House Market presents an eclectic collection of quality handmade Australian arts and crafts. Every Sunday.

Where: The Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Eumundi Market

Come enjoy the enchanting experience of the world famous Eumundi Markets.The art and craft stalls are unique in Australia and our fresh produce is second to none. So why not come along and enjoy the experience of Australia's largest market. Open every Wednesday & Saturday throughout the year.

Where: Various stalls throughout the town, Eumundi, Sunshine Coast, QLD

When: January 1st – December 31st

Rapid Creek Market

Rapid Creek Market is Darwin's oldest Market situated only 20 minutes from Darwin city in the heart of the Northern Suburbs. The market operates on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Where: Held in the carpark and arcades, Rapid Creek Business Village, 48 Trower Road Milner (near Darwin) , NT

When: January 1st – December 31st

Rose Street Artists Market

The Rose Street Artists Market is a venue where artists and skilled craftspeople can sell their wares direct to the public. Showcasing over 70 of Melbourne's best designers and artists each week so there's something for everyone! Every Saturday.

Where: 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Salamanca Market

Salamanca Market highlights fine Tasmanian art & craft including hand-worked glass, innovative design in Tasmanian timbers, stylish clothing, and bold ceramics. Every Saturday.

Where: Salamanca Place , Hobart, TAS

When: January 1st – December 31st

The Arts Centre Sunday Market

At the Arts Centre Sunday Market there is an endless array of one-of-a-kind gift ideas. With over 150 stalls under cover, you can shop until you drop no matter what the season. Every Sunday.

Where: The Undercroft just beneath Hamer Hall, St Kilda Road and Southbank Promenade, Melbourne, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Rundle Street Market

Shop for the best locally made jewellery, fashion, art, handbags and shoes. Take the time to enjoy the free entertainment, sample gourmet produce and soak up the atmosphere of Adelaide's premier shopping and cafe precinct. Every Sunday.

Where: Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA

When: January 1st – December 31st

Riverside Markets

Stall holders assemble a colourful street market in central Brisbane, presenting an eclectic range of locally crafted and imported handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, furniture, homewares, local produce, plants, home-made treats and more! Every Sunday.

Where: 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD

When: January 1st – December 31st

South Bank Lifestyle Market

The South Bank Lifestyle Market features an exciting range of arts, crafts, homewares, collectibles, exotic items, designer fashion and much more. Every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.

Where: In the heart of South Bank, Lt Stanley Street, South Bank, Brisbane, QLD

When: January 1st – December 31st

The Rocks Market

Browsing under the distinctive yellow sails you'll find arts and crafts, photography, australiana, indigenous artware, jewellery, books and much more. In all there are something like 150 stalls. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Where: George & Playfair Streets, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Surry Hills Markets

The Markets have been an integral part of the Surry Hills community since 1981 and were set up to trade in recycled, second hand or hand made goods. First Saturday of every month.

Where: Shannon Reserve, corner of Crown and Collins Sts, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Shirt and Skirt Market

The Shirt and Skirt Market is home to Melbourne's emerging designers, producing quality Australian fashion and accessories in limited editions. The work is on show to admire, discuss and of course, purchase! Discover this well kept Melbourne secret before everyone else does. Third Sunday of every month.

Where: The Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Sreet, Abbotsford, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Eltham Craft & Produce Market

One of the best community markets in Melbourne and Australia.With special products you won't find anywhere else, like locally hand made moccasins, and great coffee. Third Sunday of each month.

Where: Alistair Knox Park, Panther Place, Eltham, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

9 x 5 Quality Makers Market

The 9” x 5” Quality Makers Market features hand crafted, hand spun, hand painted, wheel thrown original object’s d’art to tantalise and take home. Second Sunday of every month.

Where: Banyule Arts Space, 14 Ivanhoe Parade, Ivanhoe, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Mosman Village Art & Craft Market

A quality art and craft market located in the heart of one of Sydney’s finest shopping precincts! 150 art and craft stalls, with gourmet food, musical entertainment, and a lively atmosphere. First Saturday of each month.

Where: Mosman Square & Village Green, Spit Junction , Sydney, NSW

When: February 1st – December 31st

In The World: 17th Tamworth Fibre Textile Biennial

Recognised nationally as Australia’s pre-eminent textile related exhibition.

Where: Flinders University Art Museum, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, SA

When: June 2nd – August 3rd

Bateaux Jouets: Toy Boats from Paris

The toys represent 100 years in the evolution of ships and lifestyles and the stories of transatlantic sea voyages, underwater exploration, sea battles, sailing regattas and motor boat races.

Where: Australian National Maritime Museum, 2 Murray Street, Darling Harbour, NSW

When: June 2nd – August 17th

How You Make It

This exhibition explores fashion design practices that draw on traditional tailoring techniques to form contemporary collections.

Where: Object Gallery, St. Margarets 417 Bourke Street, Surry Hills, NSW

When: June 2nd – August 24th

Treescape

Trees are a strong element of our visual and tangible environment, making the tree a natural subject for artists to explore.

Where: National Gallery of Australia, Parkes Place, Parkes, ACT

When: June 2nd – August 30th

Black In Fashion - Mourning to Night

This exhibition explores the symbolism and enduring use of black in Australian and international fashion.

Where: NGV, 180 St Kilda Road & Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC

When: June 2nd – August 31st

Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy

The symbolic and metaphorical associations between fashion and the superhero are explored in this compelling exhibition.

Where: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue, New York USA

When: June 2nd – September 1st

Styling The Supremes

On show are over fifty outfits that chart the changing image of the group, from their dresses in the early days as The Primettes, to the glamorous Hollywood designs worn at the height of their fame.

Where: Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd , London UK

When: June 2nd – October 19th

Arbiters of Style: Women at the Forefront of Fashion

This exhibition celebrates an array of female creators, promoters and clientele who have shaped the course of fashion.

Where: The Museum at FIT, Seventh Avenue at 27 Street, New York USA

When: June 2nd – November 8th

Taisho Chic

The balance between modernity and nostalgia – the clash and the embrace – is captured in this exhibition of paintings, prints, textiles and decorative arts from the period. Organised by the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

Where: Art Gallery of New South Wales, Art Gallery Road, The Domain, Sydney, NSW

When: June 13th – August 3rd

Lino Tagliapietra in retrospect: A modern Renaissance in Italian Glass

It is not uncommon for an artist to be touted as “the greatest” or “most significant,” but in the case of Lino Tagliapietra, the pronouncements happen to be true. This exhibition represents not only pivotal and renowned series of artistic work covering a period of approximately thirty years, but also designs made for industry and private objects that have never been exhibited.

Where: Museum of Glass, 1801 Dock Street , Tacoma, Washington USA

When: June 16th – August 24th

Ballyhoo! Posters as Portraiture

Featuring sixty pieces ranging in date from the late nineteenth century to the present, this exhibition demonstrates how posters function as portraiture.

Where: Smithsonian Institution, Eighth and F Streets, NW , Washington D.C. US

When: June 17th – February 8th

Little Black Dress

This exciting exhibition traces the advent of this wardrobe staple, from its inception in the 1920s to today’s cutting edge creations.

Where: The Fashion and Textile Museum, 83 Bermondsey Street, London UK

When: June 20th – August 25th

Succession: The legacy of the Australian National University’s Glass Work

Selected works by Australian glass artists tracing the impact and legacy of kiln-glass master Klaus Moje and the Glass Workshop at Canberra School of Art, Australian National University.

Where: Bullseye Gallery, 300 NW 13th Avenue, Portland Oregon US

When: June 27th – August 2nd

Skin+Bones: Parallel Practices in Fashion and Architecture

Discover the synergies between fashion and architecture from the 1980s to the present day. The exhibition explores how over 50 internationally-renowned architects and designers including Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, Future Systems, Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid 'fashion' buildings and 'construct' garments.

Where: Embankment Galleries, South Building Somerset House Strand, London UK

When: June 27th – August 10th

Art Deco 1910-1939

Art Deco 1910 – 1939 will bring over 250 major works across all fields of Art Deco, including painting, jewellery, fashion, film, architecture, photography and furniture. Highlights will include precious Deco gems from Cartier, exquisite fashion by Chanel, and superb examples of Deco furniture.

Where: NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC

When: June 28th – October 5th

Power and Glory: Court Arts of China's Ming Dynasty

This groundbreaking exhibition explores the grandeur and opulence of one of the most important dynasties in Chinese history. Many of the more than 240 artworks - porcelain, paintings, textiles, lacquer, jade, jewelry, architectural elements, and more - will be on public view for the first time.

Where: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 200 Larkin Street, San Francisco USA

When: July 3rd – September 21st

A Secret History of Blue and White

This exhibition highlights the diversity and strength of Australian ceramics and positions it within European and Asian ceramic histories. Curator Stephen Bowers explores the assumptions and ceramic histories associated with ‘blue and white’ from the willow patterns of Europe to the treasured porcelains of China.

Where: Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, 70-78 Keppel Street, Bathurst, NSW

When: July 11th – August 24th

Modern Ruin

A rich vein of contemporary artistic practice critically and visually revaluates the utopian dreams of the modern period within an exploration of the relationship between art, architecture and design.

Where: Queensland Art Gallery / Gallery 2.13, GoMa, Stanley Place, South Bank, QLD

When: July 12th – October 12th

Trajectory of Memories, Tradition and Modernity in Ceramics

The Arafura Craft Exchange exhibition includes remarkable examples of contemporary craft from Indonesia and Australia. The result is an exhibition of stunning contemporary ceramic practice featuring wild colours, emotive forms, elaborate concepts and sometimes comical themes.

Where: Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, Conacher Street, Fannie Bay, NT

When: July 12th – January 18th

Artivity

At Artivity children aged 5-15 are able to choose from a wide range of crafts including mosaic, decoupage, glass painting, etc. Classes are designed to encourage creativity, decision making and instill a sense of pride in their achievements. Projects include mosaics, paper crafts, decoupage, drawing & painting, jewelry, etc. Children can choose their preferred project.

Where: 637 Camberwell Road, Camberwell, VIC

When: July 14th – September 21st

Freestyle Books: artists' books from the collection

Expect the unexpected when artists' books redefine the idea of the book in all shapes and sizes, using all manner of materials.
This stunning exhibition of sixty artists' books, selected from the Australian Library of Art's extraordinary collection, showcases the artists' unique interpretations and creative expression.

Where: State Library of Queensland, slq Gallery, level 2, Brisbane, QLD

When: July 14th – October 12th

Biennale of Sydney 2008

The Biennale of Sydney has showcased contemporary art from Australia and around the world since 1973 and is one of the largest and most exciting contemporary visual arts events.

Where: various venues and sites throughout Sydney, , NSW

When: July 15th – September 7th

Dockside: Sydney's working harbour, 1840-1875

This exhibition will celebrate Sydney's once central, but now declining, role as a commercial harbour. A selection of watercolours, oils and photographs will reveal the animated fabric of Sydney's waterside.

Where: State Library of New South Wales Picture Gallery , Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW

When: July 15th – August 10th

Launch Pad

Promoting emerging design and encouraging Australian design to become market ready.

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC

When: July 16th – August 6th

Amazing Rare Things

The Royal Collection, in collaboration with broadcaster Sir David Attenborough, brings together the works of four artists and a collector who have shaped our knowledge of the world around us. Leonardo da Vinci, Cassiano dal Pozzo, Alexander Marshal, Maria Sibylla Merian and Mark Catesby are diverse figures who shared a passion for enquiry and a fascination with the beautiful and bizarre in nature.

Where: Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Buckingham Palace Road, London UK

When: July 16th – September 28th

Premier's Design Awards Exhibition

Showcases all award-winning designs from various design fields including architecture, interior design, graphic design, multimedia design, landscape design, fashion design, set design to industrial design.

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street , Carlton, VIC

When: July 17th – August 3rd

Envelop: kwodrent x farmwork

Products are fashion, fine art and architecture blur in Grace Tan’s design exhibition, Envelop.

Where: RMIT Gallery, 344 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC

When: July 17th – August 23rd

Fifty books from fifty years: celebrating a half century of collecting

To mark the University’s fiftieth anniversary, fifty Monash researchers have chosen significant items from the Rare Books Collection.The result is a fascinating variety of books, many of which have never been displayed.

Where: Monash University, Level 1, ISB wing, Clayton campus, Clayton, VIC

When: July 17th – August 31st

The Waterhole Exhibition

The Waterhole Exhibition showcases the inspiring and imaginative work of renowned award-winning children’s author and illustrator Graeme Base. The exhibition features original artworks and friezes from his latest book picture book The Waterhole, which tells the story of a diminishing waterhole and how this affects the animals on which it depends.

Where: Tamworth Regional Gallery, Gallery 1, 466 Peel Street, Tamworth, NSW

When: July 17th – September 27th

Big Square Eye

Big Square Eye is the world premiere of a massive multimedia artwork that delves into the mind's eye of young people from the suburbs of Brisbane and throughout regional Queensland.

Where: QUT Creative Industries Precinct, The Shed 1, Musk Ave, Brisbane, QLD

When: July 19th – August 3rd

Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef

This large-scale, constantly mutating series of handmade crochets replicate the forms of natural coral. Fusing science and mathematics with fine art and handicraft, the reef is constantly updated by an ever-expanding group of participants from around the world.

Where: The Hayward Project Space , Royal Festival Hall Level 2 Foyer, Central London UK

When: July 21st – August 17th

Jeppe Hein: Appearing Rooms

The work of Danish artist Jeppe Hein redefines traditional ideas about fountains. This public artwork explores the relationship between spatial perception and memory, presence and absence, inside and outside. As visitors walk through the 'rooms', they must carefully consider the patterns of rising and falling water if they are to leave the space without getting wet.

Where: Level2, Riverside Terrace, Southbank Centre, Central London UK

When: July 21st – September 28th

Pegged

Today clothes pegs are available in countless variations; from novelty animal shapes, designer versions in fashionable colours and Hurricane pegs that grip your clothes even in gales. From the practical wooden dolly pegs of the past to the colourful designer pegs of today this display explores the history of a simple but indispensable domestic object the clothes peg.

Where: Susannah Place Museum, 58–64 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

When: July 22nd – December 31st

Design Now! National Graduate Exhibition

See the designs of Australia's young design graduates who have competed with fellow students to exhibit their work in Design Now!

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC

When: July 24th – October 5th

Bombay Sapphire Design Discovery Exhibition

Presents the best in ground-breaking contemporary functional designs.

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson Street , Carlton, VIC

When: July 25th – October 5th

Travilla – the Man who dressed Marilyn Monroe

William Travilla is one of the most prolific Hollywood designers to date. He is best known for dressing Marilyn Monroe for eight of her films, and this exhibition showcases those dresses, including ‘The White Dress’, from 7 Year Itch.

Where: The Fashion Museum, Assembly Rooms, Bennett Street, Bath UK

When: July 29th – August 22nd

Melbourne Art Fair

Melbourne Art Fair is the leading art fair and public exposition in the Asia Pacific region and one of Australia's most significant exhibitions of contemporary visual art.

Where: Royal Exhibition Building, Nicholson Street, Carlton, VIC

When: July 30th – August 3rd

Dunkleys Great NZ Craft Show

For those who make crafts and those who just love to buy them - DUNKLEYS GREAT NEW ZEALAND CRAFT SHOWS are New Zealand’s most popular and exciting craft events.

Where: Claudelands Events Centre, Gate 1 no.1 Brooklyn Rd Claudelands, Hamilton City NZ

When: August 1st – August 3rd

Sala Festival

A free visual arts festival featuring exhibitions, open studios, moving image and events across South Australia. There are over 400 exhibitions, open studios, workshops, artist talks and screenings that you can choose from.

Where: Various venues and locations, around South Australia, , SA

When: August 1st – August 17th

Sister’s Market

Includes the work of artists, fashion designers and small business owners.

Where: Brunswick Town Hall, 233 Sydney Road, Brunswick, VIC

When: August 2nd

The Way We Wear

Antique, Vintage and Retro Fashion, Textiles and Accessories.

Where: Mt Gravatt Showgrounds Community Hall, Mt Gravatt, QLD

When: August 2nd – August 3rd

National Family History Week, Past - Present - Future

During the week events will be conducted across the country that focus on genealogy, family history, heraldry and related subjects including family reunions, seminars, talks, open days, history walks, book launches, film evening and expos. Visit the website for events details in your state.

Where: Various venues around Australia,

When: August 2nd – August 10th

Butterflown of Love, Fernando Palma Rodriguez

This installation addresses the artist’s concern for the preservation of Nahuatl, an indigenous language of the artist's native Mexico. Redolent with personal and historic cultural meaning for Palma Rodríguez, this interactive work brings objects to life with a range of intriguing narratives.

Where: Heide Museum of Modern Art, Heide III: Kerry Gardner & Andrew Myer Project , 7 Templestowe Road, Bulleen, VIC

When: August 5th – October 26th

Look! New Perspectives on the Contemporary Collection

Drawn entirely from the NGV Collection, Look! brings together a wide range of works from contemporary artists exploring the cultural and social issues of contemporary life. The exhibition will explore themes such as death, identity, technology and mass media, and the culture of consumption.

Where: The Ian Potter Centre, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC

When: August 5th – October 26th

Hothouse: The Flower in Contemporary Art

This unique exhibition draws together the work of some of Australia's leading contemporary artists who have explored the myriad meanings associated with the flower in their work.

Where: The State Library of Victoria, Melbourne, VIC

When: August 5th – August 24th

Duologue-Clare Belfrage and Tim Edwards - new glass

Inspired by the beautiful simplicity of landscape and natural environment, these two renowned South Australian glass artists come together in a major exhibition.

Where: Gallery 1, JamFactory, 19 Morphett Street, Adelaide, SA

When: August 6th – September 7th

A Month About Making

A month-long exploration of the making process through exhibition, workshops, residencies and public events.

Where: 31 Flinders Lane, Melbourne, VIC

When: August 7th – September 6th

Bright and Daring: Japanese Kimono in the Taisho Mode

The Taishô era (1912-1926) was a unique period in the history of Japanese design - applied to textiles, whose visual motifs, newly introduced from Western modern art, merged with Japanese tradition to create kimono of daring design. You can see the influence of European and American Art Deco in the strikingly graphic, colorful images. Each kimono attests to an energetic, free spirited era.

Where: Gallery 20, Honolulu Academy of Arts, 900 South Beretania, Honolulu Hawaii

When: August 7th – October 5th

Australian International Design Awards Exhibition

Recognised as the peak promotional body for the Australian design industry, fostering a culture of design and innovation.

Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris Sreet, Ultimo, NSW

When: August 8th

Sydney Design 08

Find out what design means to you through a 17-day program encompassing exhibitions and events at the Museum and satellite venues all over Sydney.

Where: Powerhouse Museum and various venues, 500 Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW

When: August 8th – August 24th

Garma Festival

Regarded as one of Australia's most significant Indigenous festivals, the Garma Festival is designed to encourage the practice, preservation and maintenance of traditional dance (bunggul), song (manikay), art and ceremony on Yolngu lands in Northeast Arnhem Land.

Where: Gulkula, 40 kilometres from the township of Nhulunbuy, Gove Peninsula, NT

When: August 8th – August 12th

Mornington Market

Mornington in Victoria is one of the Peninsula's most appealing coastal towns and its famous Racecourse Market has been a monthly highlight since 1994.

Where: Mornington Racecourse, Racecourse Rd , Mornington, VIC

When: August 10th

Know Your Sewing Machine class

Understand your machine and learn how to use it well. Learn how to troubleshoot simple problems, and simple maintenance to ensure its long-term "health".

Where: Brunswick Business Incubator, 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick, VIC

When: August 11th

Pieces and Strings

Pieces and Strings: Mississippi Cultural Crossroads 21st Annual Quilt Contest and Exhibition is an annual presentation of award-winning, one-of-a-kind handmade quilts displayed in the Museum’s atrium.

Where: Mississippi Museum of Art, 380 South Lamar Street, Jackson, Mississippi USA

When: August 13th – September 7th

Facture

This exhibition, which is the first in a series, will focus on contemporary Tasmanian craft and design. The exhibition will survey the work of particular artists for whom the process of making the piece and the materials used are conceptually significant to their design practices.

Where: Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, Art Gallery 4, 40 Macquarie Street, Hobart, TAS

When: August 14th – November 23rd

Magnolia Square

Come and experience a little retail therapy Magnolia Square style. Drawing on a growing stable of over 150 talented artists, designers, stylists, craftspeople and gourmets, the product mix is diverse and unique with a distinguishable handwriting.

Where: Malvern Town Hall, Cnr. Glenferrie Rd and High St, Malvern, VIC

When: August 14th – August 16th

Melbourne International Orchid Spectacular

Australia's largest orchid show with over 40 Societies and commercial exhibitors displaying thousands of spectacular orchids in flower.

Where: Gardenworld, 810 Springvale Rd, Braeside, VIC

When: August 15th – August 17th

FISKARS Demonstration Day, Scrapbook Lady, Pakenham in Victoria - Lyn Dwyer

Fiskars classes are always informative and entertaining. Come along and learn tips and techniques from the experts.

Where: 182 Princes Highway, Pakenham, VIC

When: August 16th

Book Week - Fuel your Mind

Each year, many schools and public libraries from all over Australia spend a week celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators. Classroom teachers, teacher librarians and public librarians develop activities, offer competitions and tell stories relating to a theme to highlight the importance of reading. Visit the website for details.

Where: Various Venues throughout Australia,

When: August 16th – August 22nd

The Handmade Expo

Over 50 stalls of lovingly handmade and crafted products which include children's clothing, greeting cards, soaps, hats, paintings, bears, toys, fudge, skincare, jewellery, country craft and much, much more. Something for everyone!

Where: Ipswich Showgrounds Pavilion, 81 Warwick Road, Ipswich, QLD

When: August 16th

Letterpress Workshops at Idlewild Press

Learn how to set and print metal type on both a cylinder proof press and a hand-fed platen press. You’ll learn how to feed the press, maintain ink levels, avoid offset and maintain registration. You’ll learn how to make a good impression. Instructor is Carolyn Fraser.

Where: Sixth Floor, Room 10, Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC

When: August 16th – August 17th

Basic Sewing Skills

Learn the basic stitches and sewing techniques, and make simple bags and purses (including a zippered purse). Gain confidence in a very small, supportive group with LOTS of individual attention.

Where: Brunswick Business Incubator, 420 Victoria Street, Brunswick, VIC

When: August 18th

Stitches & Craft Show

The Stitches & Craft Show is Australia's longest running craft event specialising in craft ideas, craft projects and craft supplies.

Where: Rosehill Racecourse, Unwin Street, Rosehill, NSW

When: August 20th – August 24th

Art In Bloom 2008

More than 100 West Australians will become "floral artists" using thousands of flowers and plants to create arrangements inspired by works from the State Art Collection.

Where: Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth Cultural Centre, Perth, WA

When: August 22nd – August 24th

Ultimo Science Festival

The Ultimo Science Festival offers an amazing range of things to hear, see and do in National Science Week. Includes astounding science theatre demonstrations for young minds and “fermented fashion” - a dress made out of wine or beer, good enough to drink!

Where: Various venues along Harris Street, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW

When: August 22nd – August 31st

Baby & Kids Market

The Baby & Kids Market offers a huge range of gorgeous, good quality pre-loved baby & kids goods. From prams to cots, toys to books and clothes to shoes; the market has it all. The market also offers some fantastic hand made and wholesale baby & kids goods at bargain prices.

Where: Camberwell Centre, 340 Camberwell Rd, Camberwell, VIC

When: August 24th

Festival Cairns 2008

Festival Cairns 2008 will feature a multi-dimensional line up of free and ticketed events combining sport, art, music, culture and good, old-fashioned entertainment. This year’s program underscores the importance of family while reflecting Cairns and its life-loving community.

Where: Various locations around Cairns, Cairns, QLD

When: August 27th – September 20th

FabricSwap

This fabric-only Swap event is an opportunity to trade quality textiles at a specialist fabric exchange run in conjunction with this year's Mercedes-Benz Brisbane Fashion Festival.

Where: The Shed 2 QUT Creative Industries Precinct, Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove , Brisbane, QLD

When: August 28th

Open Studios - Nicholas Building

Experience a unique and intimate twilight event held over two nights. Meet a diverse group of artists, makers and designers as they open their studios to the public. This is you opportunity to purchase original Melbourne made and designed jewellery, fashion, bags and art within a vibrant creative hub.

Where: Various studios, Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC

When: August 28th – August 29th

The Way We Wear

Antique, Vintage and Retro Fashion, Textiles and Accessories.

Where: Burnside Ballroom, Cnr Greenhill Road and Portrush Road, Burnside, SA

When: August 29th – August 31st

Craft and Design as a Career 2008

A professional development seminar for emerging craft practitioners and designers. Join this day long event featuring craft and design industry professionals sharing their wisdom on topics including international opportunities, business management and marketing.

Where: Melbourne Museum, 11 Nicholson St, Carlton, VIC

When: August 29th

Inspired! design across time

This permanent exhibition uncovers the ways in which designers, makers, industries and entrepreneurs interact to make extraordinary objects. It reveals the passion of creators, the power of objects and the pleasure they give people who use and treasure them.

Where: Powerhouse Museum 500 Harris Street , Ultimo, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Dresden - Green Vault - arts and crafts

The famous Green Vault in Dresden – founded in around 1560 by Elector Augustus – is Europe's richest, most magnificent treasure chamber museum. The collection includes masterpieces of jewellery and goldsmithery, exquisite amber and ivory treasures, jewelled vessels and elaborate bronze statuettes.

Where: Dresden Royal Palace, Residence castle, Taschenberg 2 , Dresden GERMANY

When: January 1st – December 31st

Leura Markets

First Sunday of each month

Where: Leura Public School, Great Western Higway, Leura, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Blackheath Craft Markets

Third Sunday of every month

Where: Blackheath Community Hall, Great Western Highway, Blackheath, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Mirror of the World: Books & Ideas

This semi-permanent exhibition provides an overview of the history of book production, design and illustration, with a display of fine examples from the Library's collections dating from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Where: Dome Galleries, State Library of Victoria, 328 Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Hawthorn Craft Market

The Hawthorn Craft Market boasts around 100 stalls per month selling quality hand crafted wares and home grown produce on the first Sunday of every month.

Where: Hawthorn Town Hall, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Sydney Opera House Market

Overlooking one of the world’s most beautiful harbours, the Sydney Opera House Market presents an eclectic collection of quality handmade Australian arts and crafts. Every Sunday.

Where: The Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Eumundi Market

Come enjoy the enchanting experience of the world famous Eumundi Markets.The art and craft stalls are unique in Australia and our fresh produce is second to none. So why not come along and enjoy the experience of Australia's largest market. Open every Wednesday & Saturday throughout the year.

Where: Various stalls throughout the town, Eumundi, Sunshine Coast, QLD

When: January 1st – December 31st

Rapid Creek Market

Rapid Creek Market is Darwin's oldest Market situated only 20 minutes from Darwin city in the heart of the Northern Suburbs. The market operates on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Where: Held in the carpark and arcades, Rapid Creek Business Village, 48 Trower Road Milner (near Darwin) , NT

When: January 1st – December 31st

Rose Street Artists Market

The Rose Street Artists Market is a venue where artists and skilled craftspeople can sell their wares direct to the public. Showcasing over 70 of Melbourne's best designers and artists each week so there's something for everyone! Every Saturday.

Where: 60 Rose Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Salamanca Market

Salamanca Market highlights fine Tasmanian art & craft including hand-worked glass, innovative design in Tasmanian timbers, stylish clothing, and bold ceramics. Every Saturday.

Where: Salamanca Place , Hobart, TAS

When: January 1st – December 31st

The Arts Centre Sunday Market

At the Arts Centre Sunday Market there is an endless array of one-of-a-kind gift ideas. With over 150 stalls under cover, you can shop until you drop no matter what the season. Every Sunday.

Where: The Undercroft just beneath Hamer Hall, St Kilda Road and Southbank Promenade, Melbourne, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Rundle Street Market

Shop for the best locally made jewellery, fashion, art, handbags and shoes. Take the time to enjoy the free entertainment, sample gourmet produce and soak up the atmosphere of Adelaide's premier shopping and cafe precinct. Every Sunday.

Where: Rundle Street, Adelaide, SA

When: January 1st – December 31st

Riverside Markets

Stall holders assemble a colourful street market in central Brisbane, presenting an eclectic range of locally crafted and imported handicrafts, clothing, jewellery, furniture, homewares, local produce, plants, home-made treats and more! Every Sunday.

Where: 123 Eagle Street, Brisbane, QLD

When: January 1st – December 31st

South Bank Lifestyle Market

The South Bank Lifestyle Market features an exciting range of arts, crafts, homewares, collectibles, exotic items, designer fashion and much more. Every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday.

Where: In the heart of South Bank, Lt Stanley Street, South Bank, Brisbane, QLD

When: January 1st – December 31st

The Rocks Market

Browsing under the distinctive yellow sails you'll find arts and crafts, photography, australiana, indigenous artware, jewellery, books and much more. In all there are something like 150 stalls. Every Saturday and Sunday.

Where: George & Playfair Streets, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Surry Hills Markets

The Markets have been an integral part of the Surry Hills community since 1981 and were set up to trade in recycled, second hand or hand made goods. First Saturday of every month.

Where: Shannon Reserve, corner of Crown and Collins Sts, Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW

When: January 1st – December 31st

Shirt and Skirt Market

The Shirt and Skirt Market is home to Melbourne's emerging designers, producing quality Australian fashion and accessories in limited editions. The work is on show to admire, discuss and of course, purchase! Discover this well kept Melbourne secret before everyone else does. Third Sunday of every month.

Where: The Abbotsford Convent, 1 St Heliers Sreet, Abbotsford, VIC

When: January 1st – December 31st

Eltham Craft & Produce Market

One of the best community markets in Melbourne and Australia.With special products you won't find anywhere else, like locally hand made moc