Background
Ozquilt Network Inc. (OZQN) is Australia’s organisation for makers of art quilts and supporters of art quilts as a medium. Ozquilt Network Inc. was incorporated as a formal organisation in 1998 by subscribers to the Ozquilt Network Newsletter which was first published in 1991.
Through a series of exhibitions for members (Australia Wide) and a series of open exhibitions (Art Quilt Australia), OZQN aims to raise the profile and status of art quilters, art quilts and art quilt making in Australia. These exhibitions aim to display work of the highest possible quality; to encourage understanding of the art quilt movement; and to promote the collection of art quilts.
In 2022, OZQN launched an annual online themed exhibition as a new opportunity for OZQN members to exhibit their art. In 2025, the theme is Holiday Memories.
ART QUILT AUSTRALIA open exhibitions
The Art Quilt Australia program is a series of biennial open exhibitions sponsored and administered by OZQN. Entry to Art Quilt Australia exhibitions is open to all Australian artists (and other artists specified in the exhibition conditions). Artists from all disciplines are encouraged to enter as long as their work can fit the general requirements: stitched, layered textile incorporating any materials and employing any techniques.
To encourage appropriate critical review, Art Quilt Australia exhibitions are held in recognised public galleries which facilitate exhibitions of the highest possible quality, and to encourage discussion and study, catalogues are produced which show all works plus an opening essay.
Art Quilt Australia exhibitions take place in various locations in Australia. The first exhibition was held in 2009, and a second took place in 2013 (the planned exhibition for 2011 was postponed owing to circumstances beyond the control of OZQN).
Timeline: Exhibitions held biennially in odd-numbered years
Locations: Exhibitions held in various locations around Australia
Locations to date:
- AQA 2009 – Canberra Craft & Design Centre, Canberra ACT
- AQA 2013 – Canberra Craft & Design Centre, Canberra ACT
- AQA 2015 – National Wool Museum, Geelong, VIC
- AQA 2017 – Queen Victoria Art Gallery and Museum, Launceston, TAS and then at Yarra Ranges Museum, Lilydale, Victoria in 2108
- AQA 2019 – National Wool Museum, Geelong from 6 September until 15 December 2019 and tour to Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale, Victoria from 8 February-16 May 2020.
- AQA 2021: Shoalhaven Regional Gallery at Nowra, NSW from 12 June until 3 July 2021, followed by the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum at Lilydale, Victoria from 7 August until 31 October 2021.
- AQA 2023: at the National Wool Museum, Geelong, Victoria, from 12 August until 12 November 2023
- AQA 2025: at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum, Lilydale, Victoria from 9 July to 12 October 2025.
AUSTRALIA WIDE members’ exhibitions
The Australia Wide exhibition program is a series of biennial members’ exhibitions arranged by OZQN. All members of OZQN are encouraged to enter. Quilts are selected by a jury panel of acknowledged experts.
Australia Wide exhibitions have three aspects:
- A gala launch exhibition in association with an OZQN conference or seminar and supporting events
- A touring exhibition to galleries throughout Australia for 18-24 months
- A permanent online exhibition of all works
The Australia Wide exhibition program is designed to:
- Showcase the talents of our members
- Introduce members’ quilts to a wider audience
- Demonstrate the scope and variety of art quilt making
- Publicise Ozquilt Network Inc.
Australia Wide exhibitions include a range of innovative works but, to suit tour requirements, all works comply with a strict dimension (40cm x 40 cm), and are of sturdy construction.
Timeline: Exhibitions launched biennially in even-numbered years
Locations: Launch Exhibitions held in various locations around Australia
Online Galleries:
- Australia Wide One (2008)
- Australia Wide Two (2010)
- Australia Wide Three (2012)
- Australia Wide Four (2014)
- Australia Wide Five (2016)
- Australia Wide Six (2018)
- Australia Wide Seven (2020)
- Australia Wide Eight (2022)
- Australia Wide Nine (2024)
