Project
Meet Our Makers was a Community Arts and Cultural Development (CACD) photography project celebrating the arts, crafts, and artisan groups that form the cultural foundation of Harden-Murrumburrah on Wiradjuri Country. Developed with local makers and community groups, the project honoured the arts, crafts, and artisan groups that have long shaped the quiet cultural foundation of the district. while also acknowledging the influence they have had on my own wellbeing, identity, and creative practice.
This project was supported by the Country Arts Support Program, administered by Southern Tablelands Arts on behalf of the NSW Government.

Process
The project was developed with members of the Harden-Murrumburrah Camera Club, who helped shape the concept and photographed more than 80 participants across multiple locations. Each portrait was developed in dialogue with participants, ensuring the work reflected the people, groups, and stories being documented.

Photographers: Keith Ward, Martin Carter, Les Caple, Pam Heys, Martin Lang, and Jacqui Carter.

Participating groups included the Harden-Murrumburrah Arts Council, Country Women’s Association, Murrumburrah-Harden Rotary Garden, Men’s Shed Harden, Which Craft, Country Music Club, Archie’s Army, Yarn to Yarn, Bill the Bastard Studio, Courthouse Quilters, and the Harden-Murrumburrah Camera Club.

Outcomes
The photographs were exhibited at the Harden-Murrumburrah Community Markets during the 2024 Rural Women’s Gathering and later shared online. They were also the central feature of an exhibition and all-day children’s craft workshop at the 2024 Harden Kite Festival (which was attended by 4000 visitors). Images were also made available to Hilltops Tourism, with full credit provided to photographers, participants, and groups. The project was featured in the Regional Arts NSW Work of Art showcase and created a lasting record of the people and groups contributing to the town’s cultural life.

Ongoing
Meet Our Makers is intended to continue as an ongoing CACD initiative documenting the people, groups, and practices that contribute to Harden-Murrumburrah’s cultural life. It also strengthened my personal connection to the lead photographers and I have recently joined them as a member of Harden-Murrumburrah Arts Council. Future stages will focus on mentorship, leadership, and collaborative community projects.

Photograph #1 Keith Ward – The Men’s Shed Harden

Photograph #2 Jacqui Carter – Courthouse Quilters

Photograph #3 Martin Carter – Yarn to Yarn

Photograph #4 Keith Ward – Carl Valerius at Bill the Bastard Studio