Official opening of Artcraft cottage industry expo

22/4/94

Western Australia's cottage industry was contributing some $10 million a year to the State's economy, Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

As well, arts and crafts makers contributed to the viability of local communities and to the tourism industry, he said.

Mr Cowan was officially opening Artcraft Expo '94, the State's biggest showcase for cottage industries.  The exhibition will feature some 120 exhibitors, retailers and wholesalers, many from regional areas.

The expo was co-organised by the Department of Commerce and Trade under its Cottage Industries Program.

Mr Cowan launched three valuable guides produced under the program - a training manual and a network manual to help craft workers and would-be craft workers in the key areas of business skills and networking opportunities, and a database which supplies information on producers and retailers.

"Everyone involved in cottage industries will find these guides a boon," the Minister said.

"The kind of support they offer arts and crafts producers means that significant gains can be made in the contribution that cottage industries make to the growing diversity of Western Australia's economy.

"This expo highlights the efforts by creative Western Australians to broaden our economic base and increase the diversity of what we produce and market."

Today was a 'trade only' day for crafts producers to meet potential buyers.  The general public is welcome tomorrow, Sunday and Monday.

The Department of Commerce and Trade has provided $15,000 to help sponsor the event as part of the Cottage Industries Program.

Media contact:  Peter Jackson 222 9595