A group of six panellists, including Tamworth gallery director Bridget Guthrie, met in the city yesterday to examine more than 60 entries for the big event to be on exhibition in October next year.

There were 12 submissions chosen for the exhibition and organisers described the calibre of the works submitted as exceptional, capturing the common theme of innovation in the textile industry.

“ The quality of applicants was great, and we’re trying to get that representation of each state and territory and to ensure that there’s some collaborative projects too and definitely demonstrating that innovative nature of textiles,” Ms Guthrie said.

“The exhibition is about capturing the creative practice that’s new and innovative at that point in time.” 

Exhibition curator Glenn Barkley is no stranger to quality work, having worked as a curator at the Australian Museum of Contemporary Art and believed the exhibition would bring art lovers from across the nation to the district.

“The proposals were from diverse mediums and it was very positive,” Mr Barkley said.

“I think it’s one of those showcase events that the gallery does that puts it on a national level.

“People from all over the country will come to visit. Its an attraction in that way and builds on the gallery’s long history of the Triennial and the Biennial before that.”

“The collection here is so strong in terms of textiles and it’s an event that can attract a really broad audience.

“It’s an art form for everyone, from those who have been to art school or people working on and making quilts. 

“When you walk or drive around Tamworth you can see how many crafting things are going on and that element is part of it as well so hopefully it draws all those people from the high end to hobbyist.”

The 12 artists chosen to take part in next year’s exhibition will be notified in July.