Andrew Raphael

Imagine a runway show that was part-art, part-imagination and all-fashion!

Wearable Art is an international phenomenon that focuses on taking art off of the wall and onto the body. With prestigious competitions being held all over Australia and New Zealand, it has become the most exciting and entertaining events being held in the art world! Even celebrities are getting in on the action with stars like Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj and Katy Perry flaunting some wild Wearable Art.

The Wearable Art Awards are held annually in Alice Springs, central Australia as part of the Alice Desert Festival - central Australia’s premier arts and cultural festival

Established in 2002, the Awards have rapidly evolved into three professionally produced events, showcased to enthralled audiences. Over the years the Wearable Art Awards have continued to give both first time and established artists a platform to dream, realise and create.

The Alice Desert Festival Wearable Art Awards feature some of the most unique and intriguing creations with both local and interstate designers taking part. Imagine seeing a ball gown made of egg-shells, a party dress made of VB cans, or skirts made of fluoro test tubes! Every year sees creations made of feathers, hesian, cds, magazines, rusted metal, twigs, palm leaves, fishing net, lights, motorbike casings.... the list goes on and on.

What makes the Alice Springs show different to others? Entrants in our competition have a unique identity that comes from desert living and the way interstaters view our landscape. We see entries that try to promote change and action within the local and national community. But most importantly, we see a lot of entries that promote sustainable living by using already found objects as opposed to buying new ones. Who knew that a throw blanket could make the most stylish Saturday night party dress?

We are looking for support to help build our event. Now in its eleventh year, we are looking to expand the opportunities that designers, artists and models can grasp from participating. We need your help in ensuring the show can be held in a fantastic venue with the support of knowledgeable theatre technician's. We need your help to inspire more artists to contribute with workshops and exhibitions.

Most importantly,we want to establish connections within the fashion and textiles industries to provide designers with a leg up in their careers. From providing them the opportunity to work with Sustainable Couture, a group who take something old and make it brand spanking new, to being mentored by independent designer Lenko in Melbourne, who creates original vintage and colourful shirts, dresses, skirts, shorts and jackets, we want to offer the chance of providing art and fashion on the local and national stages.  These opportunities provide designers and artists with launching points for their careers by providing them with knowledge and first hand experience in design, manufacture, distribution (both wholesale and retail), business and the fashion industry.  But we can't provide these opportunities without your help!

We are looking for donations to help support the cost of the venue and technician's who help us put on a fabulous show.  With the show growing bigger, the technician's of Araluen Arts and Cultural Precint help put on a one of a kind show for the punters and it comes at a cost of their time and money.  Your donations will also contribute to helping the lucky winners of the above prizes get the opportunity to experience the knowledge being provided by these generous sponsors. 

The Alice Springs Wearable Art Awards are presenting 3 shows this year: two shows for the adult competitors and one for primary school students over the weekend of the 25th to 26th of August. It is an exciting challenge with a wide variety of categories to participate. Visit out Facebook page and have a scroll through the amazing entries from previous years.

If you would like to partake in one of our rewards but can't be there to see the show we will kindly send you a DVD of the event.  We will also be updating our Facebook page regularly with updates in the lead up and duration of the show, particularly for the people who can't be here to see the magic live!