Entries now open for 2022 Wearable Art Mandurah

Following a record number of entries in 2021, designers, artists and creatives are encouraged to get involved in the 2022 Wearable Art Mandurah competition with entries now open.

With many great development opportunities available throughout the competition, Wearable Art Mandurah is one of Australia’s premier wearable art events and is open to artists of all skill levels, ages and design forms. The competition culminates in the Wearable Art Mandurah Showcase event later in the year, held at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.

North Dandalup resident Renate Jamieson entered the competition for the first time last year, creating two impressive garments from re-used materials, some found by the side of the road.

Her garment Bodies of Water – made from more than 2500 plastic straws – won the the Creative Reuse Award, which was announced at the Wearable Art Mandurah Showcase in November 2021.

Renate’s winning design was inspired by viewing aerial photographs of global waterways. “It invites contemplation regarding the fragility of life and dependence on water for survival,” she said. “It illustrates pathways for migration from snow-capped mountains down to vast oceans, emphasising how all waterways are intricately linked.”

Renate said the competition was a learning experience, in which participants inspired each other and thoughts and ideas were triggered to bring together the final product. “Its not about seeing things for what they are, but what they can be,” she said.

Handcrafted wearable art pieces come to life over the course of the year-long competition program, with last year’s garments made from a huge variety of materials including handbags, x-ray prints, disposable rubber gloves and dolls, as well as traditional fabrics.

The Wearable Art Mandurah competition is delivered by the City of Mandurah, offering professional development for artists and creatives in a number of exhibitions and activations for selected garments following the Showcase event. There are seven standard categories in which to enter, and a range of prizes on offer.

Competition entries close on Friday, March 18, 2022. Go to www.wearableartmandurah.com for entry details or contact the City’s Arts Development Officer via wearableart@mandurah.wa.gov.au or 9550 3842 for any assistance.

A selection of Wearable Art Mandurah garments from the 2021 competition will be on show at a special exhibition at Contemporary Art Spaces Mandurah (CASM) from February 19 – April 3. The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to see the garments up close and discover the materials and motivation behind the garments.

Keep an eye on the City’s website for further details on how to take a closer look at some of the amazing garments.