For many years I have been advocating that we stitchers and makers should put forward the names of those within our communities for “Big Recognition”. In Australia, we have two days of the year where Australians are awarded honours: today (26th January) there are the Australia Day Honours, and there are also the King’s Birthday Honours later in the year. Both days are part of the Australian Honours and Awards system.
Last night the Australians of the Year were announced (very worthy recipients this year!), and the awards list was released. I always check for anyone with a textiles related award. This time I noted that there was one: Olwyn Scott of Western Australia for service to the creative arts, particularly lacemaking. Congratulations!
This morning I received an excited email from Joanne, who was thrilled to let me know that Olwyn had been awarded. Joanne was part of the team who put forward Olwyn and her achievements, with all the necessary documentation. Joanne included the award citation in her email, and Olwyn’s contributions are impressive!
Joanne said, “I am elated that we were successful and Olywn was recognised. There were many detractors along the way who told us we were wasting our time as “women’s work” was never rewarded.”
So called “women’s work” IS rewarded in Australia, but only when we put the names of the creators forward. It doesn’t just happen. It takes hard work to pull together all the documentation and submit it. But when the achievements are set out so plainly and carefully, the recognition is given! Well done, Joanne and friends, for nominating Olwyn.
Who might you nominate for Big Recognition? You might not have national awards and honours in your country. But you might have something local or regional. So often our makers who are hardworking, highly skilled, and often generous with their time and knowledge, do not get recognised. Let’s ensure they do!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
The challenge with all the attempts to ensure “recognition” is that – entirely reasonably – there is such a requirement for documentation and evidence. It’s difficult and onerous, and especially since people tend to want it to be a surprise, so they can’t get the information directly from the candidate. Only a very determined group of people can gather the necessary portfolios!
In Australia, for these awards, the recipient MUST NOT KNOW that they are being/have been nominated. In these “hobby” type situations where people do not have a clear bio on Linked In or something like that, it does make it hard, I’m sure. And yet you see doctor after doctor receiving these awards. I sometimes wonder if in some industries, there’s the idea that “It’s Bill’s turn this year” or “It’s Mary’s turn this year” and the minions/committee get on with filling out the nominations for Bill and Mary, as part of their work day.