Crafting Community in the Australian Leather Accessories Industry

Despite the growing interest in and demand for Australian-designed and made leather goods, there is a decline in the number of leather practitioners operating to an international standard. This Fellowship, focused on Australian accessories production, considers key factors contributing to the erosion of leathercraft expertise, the current underrepresentation of Australian-made leather goods, and the resultant implications for broader industry. Investigating government, industry and educational initiatives in Florence and New York, the fellowship identifies actionable strategies to address present skills gaps, support the rejuvenation of the maker role, and craft community in the Australian leather goods industry.