Maker & Smith is an independent partnership; our goal is to make our programs pay for themselves without relying on tax-payer monies and without compromise; we rely on the support of mutually beneficial partnerships and pay fair fees to the skilled artisans we invite to present in our programs.
Mary Ellen Cliff and Carola Akindele-Obe established the partnership in July 2017, with the sole purpose of acting on their deep-felt ambition – to see the professional craft sector shine brighter in Western Australia.
Some might say we have lofty ideals – basically we are looking to amplify high quality skills in the craft community; to inject enthusiastic energy and a thirst to achieve high levels of technical and creative accomplishment. We are excited about the renewed interest globally in the handmade, in particular approaches that take traditional techniques and materials into new contemporary expressions.
We have both felt the benefits of travel and exchange, and so our goal is to make a positive contribution to the local scene by showcasing great makers through film, story-telling and masterclasses presented by specialists, invited from interstate, overseas and in Western Australia. And also to encourage local Western Australian makers to extend their presentation on the global arena .
Maker&Smith acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land where we operate, the Nyoongar people, in particular the Whadjuk and Mineng peoples. We respect their culture and the continuing contribution they make to the life of this region.