About Us
The Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia, Queensland Chapter Inc. is fondly known as 'JMGQ'. JMGQ is a membership based organisation with an established history of playing a constructive and influential role in contemporary practice.
JMGQ has members that are well established in their practice, as well as students and beginners on their path to building their skills. So no matter what your level of skill or practice, JMGQ welcomes you to join.
To support our members, JMGQ organises a range of activities including talks and exhibitions, and publishes the newsletter 'Paillon' and e-newsletter 'Metalsnips' and provides an updated website. We proudly support the Queensland College of Art Griffith University Master Class program and in return our members receive a significant discount on Master Class fees. These activities are part of the commitment JMGQ has to gaining recognition for its members and the advancement of the crafts of jewellery and metalsmithing as artistic forms. JMGQ is also a network for support, advocacy and exchange.
JMGQ is a not-for-profit group that runs on the creative energy and enthusiasm of volunteers. Funds are raised through membership fees, bulk buys, sponsorship and joint activities with other allied groups. JMGQ also receives support through partnerships with industry and business, including Queensland College of Art Griffith University and Michelle Bowden (Visuall Photography). QCA provides the group with excellent facilities for meetings, workshops and seminars.
JMGQ has members that are well established in their practice, as well as students and beginners on their path to building their skills. So no matter what your level of skill or practice, JMGQ welcomes you to join.
To support our members, JMGQ organises a range of activities including talks and exhibitions, and publishes the newsletter 'Paillon' and e-newsletter 'Metalsnips' and provides an updated website. We proudly support the Queensland College of Art Griffith University Master Class program and in return our members receive a significant discount on Master Class fees. These activities are part of the commitment JMGQ has to gaining recognition for its members and the advancement of the crafts of jewellery and metalsmithing as artistic forms. JMGQ is also a network for support, advocacy and exchange.
JMGQ is a not-for-profit group that runs on the creative energy and enthusiasm of volunteers. Funds are raised through membership fees, bulk buys, sponsorship and joint activities with other allied groups. JMGQ also receives support through partnerships with industry and business, including Queensland College of Art Griffith University and Michelle Bowden (Visuall Photography). QCA provides the group with excellent facilities for meetings, workshops and seminars.
Our History
In 1971 the Queensland Jewellers Workshop formed as a sub group of the Crafts Association of Queensland (now known as Artisan). The QJW intention was to support the emerging field of contemporary jewellery by creating educational and exhibiting opportunities. It was the first recorded collective of its kind in Australia, and at a time when there were no formal opportunities for study in the state, served a vital role in establishing a vibrant and thriving Queensland contemporary jewellery scene.
In 1980 QJW became affiliated with other emerging interstate collectives and adopted the name of the The Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia (JMGA), and became the first state to edit and produce the national newsletter, known as Lemel. The responsibility for hosting Lemel was passed on to another JMGA state group every two years and in 1986 Queensland hosted Lemel for the second time, and in 2004 again took on that responsibility. In 1987 in preparation for hosting the 1988 5th JMGA International Conference, the JMGA was incorporated in Queensland as a not for profit membership organisation. JMGQ has hosted the national JMGA conference three times (the 5th in 1988 held at the Gold Coast, the 10th in 2000 held in Brisbane, and the 15th in 2013, also held in Brisbane) with all attracting acclaimed national and international speakers, workshops and exhibitions. In 2003, JMGQ partnered with Queensland College of Art Griffith University and Craft Qld in the Queensland component of the HAT UK/Australia Jewellery Residency Exchange.
Throughout its 40+ years of operation, JMGQ has in addition to its national roles, hosted regular exhibitions of members' works, coordinated professional training sessions, contributed to and initiated debate and discussion on matters concerning contemporary practice and acted as a network for support, advocacy and exchange. Its membership is made up of established and emerging practitioners and those interested in original and contemporary jewellery and metalwork.
In 1980 QJW became affiliated with other emerging interstate collectives and adopted the name of the The Jewellers and Metalsmiths Group of Australia (JMGA), and became the first state to edit and produce the national newsletter, known as Lemel. The responsibility for hosting Lemel was passed on to another JMGA state group every two years and in 1986 Queensland hosted Lemel for the second time, and in 2004 again took on that responsibility. In 1987 in preparation for hosting the 1988 5th JMGA International Conference, the JMGA was incorporated in Queensland as a not for profit membership organisation. JMGQ has hosted the national JMGA conference three times (the 5th in 1988 held at the Gold Coast, the 10th in 2000 held in Brisbane, and the 15th in 2013, also held in Brisbane) with all attracting acclaimed national and international speakers, workshops and exhibitions. In 2003, JMGQ partnered with Queensland College of Art Griffith University and Craft Qld in the Queensland component of the HAT UK/Australia Jewellery Residency Exchange.
Throughout its 40+ years of operation, JMGQ has in addition to its national roles, hosted regular exhibitions of members' works, coordinated professional training sessions, contributed to and initiated debate and discussion on matters concerning contemporary practice and acted as a network for support, advocacy and exchange. Its membership is made up of established and emerging practitioners and those interested in original and contemporary jewellery and metalwork.
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