Curated and recorded by Kate Rhodes

To download, right-click on the link below and save to your computer (38MB, 40 mins).
Craft on Foot

This self-guided audio tour of Flinders Lane provides a recent history of craft in the city. During a short walk, taking us from Elizabeth Street up to Spring Street, we meet many of the people who are central to the development of contemporary practice whether as writers, curators, facilitators or makers of craft work. Their voices narrate this story. Flinders Lane is the catalyst for a discussion about creative spaces and how the city itself affects craft practice. From the nineteenth century to now, the Lane has represented both positive and negative aspects of the making industries (namely textiles) and urban development. While our affection for this cluttered metropolitan artery remains strong, those who contribute to its liveliness for their livelihood are also at the brute end of regular rent increases. At the core of this audio tour is Craft Victoria and we touch on aspects of its development through until its arrival at the top of the hill, where home base has been located for a decade. It is the only dedicated site for craft in all its forms in the city. We speak to its past and present staff and exhibitors to learn about how the organization, both in the fact of its existence and its physical space, is a central meeting point for the craft community, at times offering respite from the city, and a zone for ideas generation and discussion.

Podcast Stops
1. Anna Davern. Stop: Carlow House, 289 Flinders Lane
2. Suzie Attiwill. Stop: Aesop, Shop IC, 268 Flinders Lane
3. Kim Brockett. Stop: City Library, 253 Flinders Lane
4. Tim Fleming. Stop: Nicholas Building, 37 Swanston Street
5. Robyn Healy. Stop. 141 Flinders Lane
6. Kevin Murray. Stop: Craft Victoria, 31 Flinders Lane
7. Joe Pascoe. Stop: Craft Victoria, 31 Flinders Lane

Sounds courtesy of Snawklor
Sound editing by Simon Winkler
Commissioned by Craft Victoria as part of Craft Cubed 2010