Ausglass Conference 2025 Poatina Arts Tasmania

In February 2025 Poatina Arts hosted the national biennial Ausglass conference in the foothills of the Great Western Tier Mountains. Contemporary glass art from Tasmania, Australia and beyond took part in a dynamic program of presentations, networking and specialist glass workshops bookending the conference, and making it a period of intense learning and creativity.

The theme of the conference Here.With.Now, explored the role that communities and places play in supporting and inspiring artists. It considered the value, health and diversity of glass communities either in the studio, residential, educational or temporary. It examined the impact community has, often propelling glass-making practices and cementing relationships locally, regionally, and globally.

Conference delegate feedback:

'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.' Di

'Keith Dougall is a highly respected member of the national and international glass community and it is through his affiliations and attendance at public glass events that we have been aware that there [is] a remarkable arts centre in the middle of [Tasmania].' Gabriella

"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

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