Welcome

Crafting Sustainability Conference

Saturday, March 14 – Sunday, March 15, 2015
OCAD University, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto

Crafting Sustainability is a two-day conference that brings together makers, researchers, educators, and students to interrogate the pairing of craft and sustainable practice. Co-organized by Craft Ontario and the Material Art and Design Department (MAAD) at OCAD University, the conference offers a platform for assessing the role of craft in fostering new paradigms for production and consumption in the 21st century.

Idea exchange and debate will be framed by questions that address what it means to be a responsible maker in a contemporary context. If sustainability is grounded in the principles of ecological responsibility, social equity, and economic viability, what models exist for craft adopting these principles to advance the health of communities? Do the embodied processes of craft production hold clues for new modes of knowledge and appreciation? Where do the challenges lie in translating craft methodologies to late-capitalist consumer culture?

Crafting Sustainability will be held at OCAD University, located in the Auditorium (190) at 100 McCaul Street, Toronto. Please see Program for dates and times, and Directions for wayfinding.

Generous support for the Crafting Sustainability conference is provided by the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Ontario Arts Council.

Crafting Sustainability is sponsored by Harbourfront Centre, the Sheridan College Craft & Design Program, Haliburton School of The Arts: Fleming College, Charles Street Video, and the OCAD U Office of Diversity, Equity, and Sustainability Initiatives (ODESI).