Useful Objects x JamFactory
Momentum

JamFactory and Useful Objects present a survey of emerging design talent, with five emerging designers and makers exhibiting new works in Collingwood.

For more than fifty years, JamFactory in Adelaide has nurtured exceptional creative talent through its renowned Associate Program, launching the careers of many leading artists, designers and makers. The unique program provides outstanding career development opportunities for emerging practitioners working in glass, furniture, ceramics or jewellery and metal. It provides a platform for network building and peer to peer learning within a dynamic creative hub that attracts leading art, craft and design industry figures from across Australia and around the world.

While the program provides an extraordinary foundation, the transition from emerging practitioner to sustainable professional practice is often the most challenging stage in any career. In response, JamFactory and Useful Objects are proud to collaborate to present this inaugural exhibition of outstanding recent alumni in Melbourne – the critical and commercial capital for bespoke and collectible design in Australia. 

The five emerging designers and makers featured in this exhibition were selected by Useful Objects Director Simon Maidment, JamFactory CEO Brian Parkes and Associate Program Manager Essie Morris. Each exhibitor was invited to develop ambitious new work to capture the attention of collectors, curators and industry contacts to further accelerate their momentum in building successful and sustainable creative careers.

Featuring: Em Frank, Alexandra Hirst, Melvin Josy, Tom Summers and Bolaji Teniola

Em Frank, Things for carrying, Assemblage 1, Following water, 2026. Photo: Connor Patterson