Makers 101

Statement organisation’s history and philosophy (clear & concise)
The HANDSHAKE project supports emerging New Zealand jewellery artists, allowing them to develop ideas and artworks for a succession of exhibitions with the assistance of a chosen mentor. The HANDSHAKE recipients are presented with additional opportunities to develop their practices through a number of challenges, including masterclasses, collaborations and network opportunities with both national and international exposure. The progressive nature of the programme aims to develop independent makers with an innovative and energetic practice.

With so many good makers around the globe, and technology that allows instant access to everyone and everything they do, we now have the benefit of choice … For the first time in history, the continuing ‘student’ is not prey to the random local educationalists, but is connected with somebody within electronic reach, who has similar or complementary interests and shares their love for object-making.


Outline objectives/goals of Handshake and Makers101
MAKERS 101 goal is to generate and organise creative opportunities for artists. 
HANDSHAKE is a mentoring and exhibition project unique to the contemporary art world. It is a space where international renowned artists hand-over some of their quality knowledge to those asking for a ‘hand’ and is a two-way project that encourages symbiosis and a ‘give and take’.
Handshake reverses the old ‘apprentice’ model, whereby a mentee works for a mentor – here the mentor works more for the mentee through their feedback and support in the development of ideas and exhibition work. Each project with its progressive exhibition programme is recorded and reflected on the HANDSHAKE Project website (handshakeproject.com). All blog posts, documented exhibitions, publications and catalogues can be found on the website.

The ultimate goal of the Handshake Project is to create independent leaders beyond dependency.
MAKERS and HANDSHAKE could only succeed thanks to the continued funding of Creative New Zealand, support of Whitireia NZ, Makers 101, JEMbooks and all others involved.



Staff
Peter Deckers, Creative director.
p.deckers@xtra.co.nz

Hilda Gascard, Project manager.
h.gascard@xtra.co.nz