Geelong Fibre Forum
Geelong Fibre Forum is a week-long creative retreat for anyone who loves to make, stitch, dye, weave or just play with fabric and fibre. It’s where artists, makers, and curious beginners all come together to learn, experiment, and be inspired.
Hosted by the awesome crew at TAFTA and held annually at the picturesque Geelong Grammar campus, Forum offers an immersive program of workshops led by nationally and internationally recognised tutors. You’ll spend your days learning new techniques, meeting like-minded creatives, building lasting connections within a vibrant and supportive community.
TAFTA also runs a scholarship program to help make the event accessible to those beginning their artistic journey or seeking professional growth in textile practice. Whether you come to refine your skills, try something new, or simply recharge your creative energy, the Geelong Fibre Forum offers an inspiring environment to explore all things textiles.
Our 2026 Workshop Artists
Nicola Brown | Sustainable Eco Printing
Ro Bruhn | Fabric Journals
Carol Cooke | Soft Scultpures
Jen Crossely | Mixed Media
Janet Day | Hand Spinning
Dawn Edwards | Felt Vessels
Irene Manion | Machine Embroidery & Printing
Regina Middleton | Marine Debris Assemblage
Sophie Munns | Bio-Cultural Mapping
Sarah Seahorse | Sculptural Headwear
Jennie-Maree Tempest | Textile Botanical Sculptures
2026 Workshop Prices
Class Fee
$720
PLUS ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
Residential Single
$945
Residential Shared
$840
Non-Residential
$365
Please note:
All meals are included for residential participants.
Only lunch & morning/afternoon tea included for non-residential participants
All prices include access to talks, activities and dinner on Party Night
Introducing our 2026 Artist in Residence
Mel is a textile artist based in Darwin, celebrated for her detailed needle-felted works that vividly capture the beauty of the natural world. Focusing on dry needle felting, she shapes colourful three-dimensional pieces—like mangrove crabs, lobsters, and mudskippers—crafted from dyed wool and wire armatures. Her art draws heavily on her close relationship with Darwin’s coastal landscapes, especially the mangrove forests, which serve as a continual source of inspiration for her detailed and tactile creations.
Melanie Tribe
Party Night
Wednesday night at Geelong Fibre Forum is party night! Enjoy dinner, good vibes, and plenty of fun—everyone’s encouraged to dress up! The theme for 2026 is:
Dames of Denim
Exhibition Night
Friday night features the student exhibition, showcasing all the amazing creations made throughout the week.
Scholarship fundraiser
Each year Tafta raises money to fund a scholarship program, allowing students to attend our event who may not have the financial means.
Artists and attendees are invited to make a piece that fits the theme. All the works are auctioned at Geelong to support the scholarship fund.
2026 Scholarship Fundraiser is:
Do it with Denim
Head over to our gallery to see previous fundraiser creations!