The Sydney TAFE Design Centre Enmore’s One Night Under the Lights exhibition, which was held in Sydney on 24 November, displayed the work of about 40 Certificate III Jewellery Manufacture graduating students.
Expertise Events sponsored the event in an effort to support the longevity of the local industry and to promote local jewellery design talent, which included Sydney TAFE Enmore Design Centre gaining much needed exposure within the wider trade.
Gary Fitz-Roy, managing director of Expertise Events and organiser of the International Jewellery Fair (IJF), said the decision to sponsor One Night Under the Lights aligned with one of his main objectives for the jewellery fair – to assist in preserving a strong local trade.
“The longevity of Enmore TAFE is imperative to ensure the future of jewellery manufacturing, design and repair is ongoing on Australian shores,” Fitz-Roy stated.
“Enmore TAFE is one of the last teaching institutions in Sydney, so the future of the industry relies on the continuation of the courses.”
Gina Kind, acting head jewellery teacher at Sydney TAFE, said the annual exhibition was vital to promoting the skills of up-and-coming jewellers.
“The exhibition plays an important role in providing a forum for the jewellery industry to gain an insight into the exceptional talents of graduating students as well as promoting jewellery manufacture, design and education to the general public,” Kind explained.
She added that those attending the event this year had nothing but praise for the students’ work and that the organisers decided to place more emphasis on the manufacturing aspect of jewellery rather than design.
Kind said the students gained plenty of valuable experience from the exhibition, including the opportunity to speak with industry representatives.
Further support
In addition, Fitz-Roy announced that Sydney TAFE would be provided with an exhibitor stand at the 2017 IJF.
“Hopefully having a presence at the fair will encourage employment opportunities and equally inspire the industry and showcase emerging talent,” he said. “It also ties in nicely to the design awards.”
As previously reported by Jeweller, Expertise Events has launched a new jewellery design competition to be held in conjunction with the 2017 IJF.
The Jewellery Design Awards, which boasts a first prize valued at more than $50,000, is open to all Australian and New Zealand jewellers with the aim of highlighting local talent and helping to ensure the longevity of the industry.
The 2017 IJF will take place at the new Sydney International Convention Centre from 26 August to 28 August.
the exhibition
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