collaborative Forging masterclass

Get ready for an extraordinary showcase of artistry and craftsmanship at the 2025 Blacksmiths Festival! From May 14-18, 2025, a dynamic collaborative forging team will come together to create a functional sculpture, adding a new chapter to the festival's tradition of innovative blacksmithing.

Following the triumphs of the 2019 and 2022 collaborative projects led by renowned blacksmiths Jake James from Canada and Will McGuire from Australia, this festival’s team project promises to be an even more thrilling fusion of talent and creativity. Our new team, selected for their diverse skills and perspectives, will work intensively over five days to bring their collective vision to life.

Expressions of interest to join the 2025 team are now open!

Experience the magic of collaborative artistry and witness the creation of a functional sculpture that embodies the spirit of the Blacksmiths Festival. Mark your calendars for May 14-18, 2025, and be part of this extraordinary celebration of craftsmanship and innovation!

Expressions of Interest open for the following opportunties!

To ensure fairness, inclusivity, and transparency, the selection process for Team Leader, Masterclass Team Member and Artistic and Technical Lead roles in the 2025 Collaborative Project Team will involve an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. This approach aims to assemble a team with the necessary skills for project success in addition to supporting diversity and inclusion goals. Women and other marginalised identities are encouraged to apply.

Masterclass Team Member (9 Masterclass places)

Are you passionate about blacksmithing and eager to push the boundaries of your craft? We invite you to join our Blacksmith Collaboration Team Masterclass—a unique professional development opportunity to collaborate with fellow artisans and explore innovative techniques in a dynamic, hands-on environment. This masterclass is designed for blacksmiths with intermediate to advanced skills looking to enhance their craft through teamwork, creativity, and working closely with some of Australia's most talented 'smiths. Share your expertise, learn from others, and forge new connections in this collaborative experience. Submit your Expression of Interest by 30 November 2024 to be a part of the team at the Blacksmiths Festival 2025.

Team Leaders (3 positions)

Are you a seasoned blacksmith with a passion for collaboration and innovation? We are seeking three dynamic Team Leaders for our Blacksmith Collaboration Masterclass—a brilliant opportunity to guide a group of talented artisans through an advanced, hands-on experience. As one of three Team Leaders, supporting the project’s Artistic and Technical Lead, you'll help shape the direction of the masterclass, foster collaboration, and inspire creativity among participants. See the role description for more information. If you have a proven track record in blacksmithing and a vision for pushing the craft forward, we want to hear from you. Submit your Expression of Interest by 31 October 2024 to co-lead this transformative journey and make a lasting impact on the blacksmithing community.

Artistic and Technical Lead (1 position)

Are you an innovative and visionary blacksmith with expert skills and a passion for leading creative projects? We are seeking Expressions of Interest for an established blacksmith to lead the design, creative and technical oversight for our 2025 collaborative project team from concept through to completion. Supported by three Team Leaders, this is a unique opportunity to steer the artistic direction, ensure cohesive design implementation, nurture inclusion and inspire a fabulous team over the course of five days. Your design and vision will be a showcase at the Blacksmiths Festival 2025 as the work is finalised in public view. If you have a track record of delivering outstanding design solutions and are excited to drive the creative vision of a project and team, we want to hear from you. For more information about this opportunity please read the role description and contact either steve@blacksmithsfestival.com or lisa@blacksmithsfestival.com to express your interest as soon as possible.

Selection Process

The Collaboration Team Selection Sub-Committee will evaluate EoIs based on key selection criteria and diversity considerations. The team will be confirmed on acceptance of offers made and confirmation of financial arrangements and conditions. Outcomes will be communicated to all applicants, and team membership will be publicly announced on the festival website by January 2025.

Collaborative forging team projects

at the 2019 and 2022 Blacksmiths festivals

See below for a brief summary and gallery of past projects.

 

2022 Team led by Will Maguire forging a cantilever seat

In May 2022 Will Maguire led a collaborative sculptural project in the lead up to and throughout the Blacksmiths Festival in Footscray, Melbourne, Victoria. The sculptural cantilever seat was constructed from reclaimed timber and steel from the old Footscray Wharf. The wharf was being reconstructed and the festival sculpture was later installed when the new wharf was finished. The sculpture now sits adjacent to the festival site and become part of the public art landscape along the Maribyrnong River.

Nine participants worked as part of three teams of three blacksmiths, with Australia’s own Ben Beames, Matt Mewburn and Woody Blower as forging team leaders. This was a unique experience, working alongside some of the most exciting smiths in the country, each team completing elements of the sculpture that will come together as one piece at the end of the event.

Participating Blacksmiths: Will Maguire (Project Leader) - NSW, Matt Mewburn (Team Leader) - NSW, Ben Beames (Team Leader) - TAS, Woody Blower (Team Leader) - NSW, Alex Wixted - NSW, Alice Garret - VIC, Colin Dray - NSW, Dan O'Toole - TAS, Dara Carey Quilty - VIC, Denise Axelsen - QLD, Elliott Franklin-Browne - NSW, Kieran Gleeson - VIC, Mark Rochlitz - NSW, Robbie Alderson - VIC

2019 Team led by Jake James forging ‘Many Hands‘ sculpture

In 2019 the collaborative sculpture project was designed and directed by Jake James, from Vancouver Island, Canada. The sculpture, “Many Hands” was forged at the Blacksmiths Festival in April over a period of 4 days by three striking teams involving 12 blacksmiths from Australia, Canada and the USA.

The sculpture’s design relates directly to the municipality, incorporating three key elements:

  • Leaves – these components form the extremity of the work and reflect the natural environment, as it was, and as it exists today, transformed by human activity.

  • Sun – forms a ring around the centre and symbolises a new dawn of hope for all who have arrived in the area.

  • Three joined hands – form the core of the sculpture and speak to the diversity of people that have lived and worked together to create the rich cultural landscape that epitomises Footscray.

Participating Blacksmiths: Jake James (Project Leader) – Canada, Will Maguire (Team Leader) - NSW, Pete Mattila (Team Leader) – TAS, Ben Beames (Team Leader) - TAS, Robbie Alderson – VIC, Craig Thorpe – VIC, David Graham – VIC, Elizabeth Belz – USA, Matt Mewburn - NSW,  Matthew Pither – QLD, Michael Clarkson – NSW, Michael Gsell – VIC, Peter Birchall – NSW, Willie Rennison - NSW