About the Fair

The Tasmanian Craft Fair is the largest display, sale and working demonstration of all types of crafts in the Southern Hemisphere, held annually over 3 days on the November long weekend in the picturesque town of Deloraine in Northern Tasmania.

 

The 43rd Tasmanian Craft Fair is delivered by the Rotary Club of Deloraine.

Our focus is to celebrate high quality artisans across a broad range of crafts both traditional and contemporary, who are encouraged to show their works being created at the fair. With over 200 exhibitors, a majority are from Tasmania with a quality selection from interstate Australia.

We also welcome International visiting artists, and each year, exhibitors compete for the coveted $10,000 Premiers Arts Award sponsored by the Tasmanian Government.

Community Impact

The profits from the TCF are provided to the Rotary Club of Deloraine to invest on their many local, national and international projects. With the implementation of the 2024-29 Strategic Plan some funds will also be redirected in the ongoing investment and transition of the Fair ensuring longevity for decades to come.

Some of these community projects, of nearly 200 in total, include:

Within Tasmania:

  • Provision of scholarships to outstanding secondary students towards Tertiary education.

  • Running the Tasmanian part of the national Model United Nations Assembly for secondary students.

  • Financial support to the Deloraine Hospital in setting up a hospice care facility and provision of beds.

  • Learn to Swim Program in Deloraine for younger children

  • Construction of walking bridges across the Meander River  Deloraine

Nationally:

  • Financial donations to drought, fire, flood relief programs and rural mental health programs.

Internationally:

  • Financial support of Polio eradication, anti-Malaria programs run by Rotary International.

  • Support to eye clinics in Nepal

  • Provision of water wells in Fiji

  • Volunteer Rotary groups to work on various projects in Tanzania, Nepal and Fiji.

Some of the funds go to service groups such as Apex and other Rotary Clubs in the region that have provided volunteers to assist with the TCF. These clubs in turn use the money to go towards funding their own particular charities or civic projects.

The Tasmanian Craft Fair is supported by the Tasmanian Government and many other generous sponsors.

 

History of the Fair

In the late 1970s Deloraine experienced an influx of artists and craftspeople seeking an alternative lifestyle. Rotarians at the time explored ways of facilitating the integration of these new creative people into the conservative farming community. The Rotary President of the time, John Sullivan, suggested a Craft Fair as a way not only to bring the two parts of the community together, but also to develop an avenue for the artisans to sell their products.

John's idea was taken up by the Rotary Club of Deloraine, which started development of the inaugural event in 1981. This was called the Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Craft Fair. The Fair boasted 34 exhibitors and during the two days attracted about 3,000 people to the local Community Centre. It was a huge success as it provided a window of opportunity for people to display and sell their work.

During the ensuing years the Fair continued to develop and expand with increased numbers of both exhibitors and attendees. As the Fair grew it was necessary to find additional space, so it spread throughout various venues around the town and gallery owners became involved. Cottage industries blossomed to include cheese, wine, liqueurs, truffles, and more.

The Fair grew to such an extent that it gained recognition as a major Tasmanian event. Publicity for the Fair began to go national and, to help in attracting Government assistance, in 1996 the Rotary Club decided to change the name from the Tasmanian Cottage Industry Exhibition and Craft Fair to the Tasmanian Craft Fair. This gave focus to the State as well as the event.

Now as we embark on another 40 or more years, we’re implementing a 5 year Strategic Plan to ensure the relevance and growth of this iconic event led by the current Fair Director Michael Plunket.