For the past 12 months, 2,000 quiltmakers and textile artists from across Australia have been busy fundraising, designing and creating the largest quilt collection to be used as a fundraiser anywhere in the world.
This is the QUILTS 2000 Project, launched in February 1999 to raise money and awareness for the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games. The slogan ‘Be a Sport – Buy a Quilt’ was adopted by the textile community to link their craft to the sport they are committed to supporting.
Regarded as commemorative works and collectors items, the quilts range in price from $50 to $5,000 with all proceeds going towards staging the Paralympic Games. The quilters aim to raise $500,000.
Already 80 quilts have been sold to corporate and private buyers in Australia and overseas, including Germany and the USA. The collection will come together in a spectacular exhibition at Sydney Olympic Park during the Paralympic Games, with 60 quilts decorating the Athletes’ Village.
Various Councils are supporting the QUILTS 2000 Project. Blacktown City Council was the first Local Government in Australia to purchase a quilt from the collection, closely followed by Shoalhaven City Council. Both Councils see their quilts as a special memento of their association with the Paralympic Games – and as a unique work of art to share with their community.
Other Councils are working with the QUILTS 2000 team to host exhibitions, raising awareness of the Games and providing sales opportunities within their communities.
Wollongong City Art Gallery hosted the quilts in 1999, and future Council exhibition dates include Camden Council (200 quilts 17-20 March), Orange City Council (Orange Regional Gallery 17-28 May), Blacktown City Festival (50 quilts 1-4 June), Willoughby City Council (200 quilts 12-17 June), Mosman City Council (Mosman Art Gallery 23 June to 23 July), Fairfield City Council (Fairfield Museum and Gallery 1-16 July). Gosford and Wyong Councils are also planning an exhibition.
For further information contact Margaret Wright on (02) 9499 3365 or email exec@Quilts2000.org.au
