If you love craftsmanship and design, the JamFactory Contemporary Craft & Design Centre has got you covered. Admire the contemporary furniture, jewellery, pottery, coloured glass vases and other delicate pieces made or displayed here. Promoting itself as a “leading centre for the design, production, exhibition and sale of craft and design”, the JamFactory is far more than just an art gallery and shop alone.
The JamFactory is a not-for-profit art hub, co-funded by Arts South Australia. Working under the trade name “Made in Adelaide”, the organisation helps local artists and companies cash in on their creations. In doing so, they aim to promote the arts and cultural sector state-wide, nationally and even globally. The JamFactory has its own online shop and Arts South Australia also provides grants for emerging artists to display their works at international festivals, such as the Edinburgh Fringe summer festival in Europe.
Formerly situated in an old jam factory in West End, the JamFactory moved to a purpose-built art space in 2010. The school-like building may not match the sleek architecture of so many other art galleries, but reminds everyone that this is also a working space with art classes and workshops.
Take your time to explore all the local designs on display in the galleries, studios and shops. The art on display includes works of ceramics, glass, wood, jewellery and metal and no two items are the same. Chat with the artists you may find at work in the studios or come back for an Artist Talk event with demonstrations.
From the balcony on the upper level, you can peek down into the glass-blowing studio. Be mesmerised by the sight of molten glass taking shape. If you want to give it a go, sign up for one of their one-on-one workshops.
The JamFactory Contemporary Craft & Design Centre is located in Adelaide’s central business district, within easy walking distance from various public transport stops. Admission is free of charge. Parking is available for a fee near the building. There is also a JamFactory at Seppeltsfield, in the Barossa Valley, if you’re keen to see more.
