Here.With.Now

In February 2025 Poatina Arts hosted the national biennial Ausglass conference.

Staged throughout Poatina village in the foothills of the Great Western Tiers, contemporary glass delegates from Tasmania, Australia and beyond took part in a dynamic program of presentations, panel discussions, technical demonstrations and networking opportunities over three full days. The rural retreat-style venue allowed the majority of delegates to reside onsite, focussing and enriching the community experience for all.

The conference theme 'Here.With.Now' explored the role of community and place in supporting and inspiring artists. It considered the value, health and diversity of our glass communities and how they propel our glass-making practices and build relationships locally, regionally, and globally.

Keynote speakers Fiona Hall (AUS), John Reyntiens (UK), and Andrea Spencer (UK) delivered inspiring presentations along with many other high-calibre presenters from around Australia and beyond.

Specialist residential workshops, held in the purpose-built Poatina Glass Studio, book-ended the conference making it a two-week period of intense learning, creativity, and community connection.

(Scroll down to see a great selection of images from the conference and workshops program)

Conference delegate feedback:

'I think it was one of the best conference[s] I have been to, because everyone was always together.' Jan

'John Reyntiens talk was fantastic! Such a talented artist and an entertainer. The panels were my personal favourite way of presenting/discussing information, the emerging artist, sustainability, and business panels were particularly interesting.
Another highlight was the absolute delight it was to be surrounded by glass artists and how welcoming everyone was, and the location / being all together for meals and hanging out wandering around the town made it feel even more special." Madi

'Loved being in the village - really felt conducive to connection and continuity over the weekend. The glassblowing trailer and evening demonstrations in the Arts Centre were fantastic, loved the broad range of speakers at the lecture hall. The Saturday night opening of exhibition 'Tro.ne.car.tee pe.way.pel.ler' felt like it really completed the picture, combining the work of local Indigenous artists with our visiting flame-worker from Ireland. I found it inspiring to see so many young folks at their first Ausglass conference. Had a blast!' Delegate

'I love the fact that it is located in a rural semi remote area and feel this adds attraction for residencies and workshop possibilities. ...The studio Keith has built is a first class facility. ...Hosting this years Ausglass conference has really put it on the map.' Kirstie

'I think it is an amazing space for people to learn and spend time developing new work in a quiet space away from everyday life.' Eileen

'The glass studio at Poatina is a high level professional set-up equal to, and surpassing many other facilities I have visited. It is the very perfect place for residencies in glass art. [Loved] the all-inclusivity of being together in a small location.' Di

"I wish the national and international glass community had had the opportunity to visit Poatina years ago so that we were able to fully appreciate what an amazing facility it is and been able to engage with it earlier!" Gabriella

'It was a really nice decision to run a regional conference - the nature, the hospitality, togetherness.' Billy

"I was surprised that a location at that distance from a main state city would be so popular, and so well-attended and appreciated. ... I think Poatina was a very enjoyable location for the conference because of its excellent theatre, access to galleries, access to restaurants, cafes and shops, and good accommodation. ..the very professional glass studio provided great opportunities for demonstrations, and for audience engagement." Grace

"I kept thinking of Marfa in Texas and how it was this little town that was struggling post-war before the artist Donald Judd built his studio there and it transformed into an art hub. I wonder if it could totally transform into an "art town" over the decades.' Ned