The Australian Textile Arts & Surface Design Association Inc, known as ATASDA, is a non-profit and volunteer-run organisation. Our objectives are:

• To promote, foster, develop & advance textile and fibre arts.
• To promote interaction and co-operation between textile artists and all artists using dyes, pigments, stitch and/or manipulative techniques for fibre and fabric decoration.
• To conduct and promote lectures, discussions, exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops, or any other activity designed to instruct or promote textile art.
• To do all other things as the Association may deem to be directly or indirectly conducive to the above objects or any of them.

Design: Marie-Therese Wisniowski
Our logo contains the following symbolic elements. The black square represents a piece of cloth. Inside the square is a needle which refers to the historical and traditional skills inherent in the creation of textile art. It highlights the sharing, continuous learning and mastering of techniques over the centuries. The needle represents the simplest of tools in a creative process. The needle is reflected by a paintbrush "outside the square". The paintbrush depicts the creative nature of textile art and surface design. By appearing "outside the square", the paintbrush also highlights the innovative nature of contemporary cloth art. The white 'thread' lines inside the square act as a direct reference to the creation of textile art and surface design. Using the black square as a cloth base for the artist's work,the 'thread' lines symbolize machine embroidery, hand painting, digital imaging and other techniques employed in creating the sumptuous and embellished textures of surface designs. The 'thread' lines flow out of the square and so highlight the continuing, connectivity, development, passion and spirit of ATASDA textile artists to a greater artistic movement. The logo therefore attempts to capture the commitment of ATASDA members to this most exciting and challenging art form of the new millenium.

In 2007 ATASDA's constitution was amended to allow the formation of state-based branches and of groups. Two branches have been formed so far, in Queensland and NSW. The organisation continues to evolve, as the new roles and responsibilities are clarified. In 2007/2008 both State Presidents also serve on the National Committee, promoting communication and close co-ordination.

National

All ATASDA members are members of the National organisation. There is a National Committee, whose responsibilities include:

• overall co-ordination, direction and management of ATASDA
• membership registration
• fibreline, the quarterly newsletter
• fibrenet, the member discussion list
• library
• website
• groups and activities in states where no branch exists
• insurance and other business services

Branches

The purpose of branches is to allow local organisation of activities. Each branch has a committee, responsible for:

• quarterly member meetings
• social meetings and activities
• workshops
• exhibitions
• challenges and swaps
• groups within the state

Generally branch activities are open to all ATASDA members. In special circumstances there may be restrictions in numbers (for example, in focus groups), or by geographical area (for example, in exhibiting due to policies of a regional gallery). Those who wish to participate actively in organisational aspects of the branch, such as speaking during a business meeting or taking a volunteer role, must join the branch. There is no additional fee, but an signed application form is required.

Groups

As at December 2007, ATASDA has one group - the Fibre Alchemists, a group of 15 artists who meet monthly in Epping with shared goals and committments to their personal textile learning. A number of regional groups are also in the discussion and development stages - look out for announcements in 2008.

Groups offer a way for members to bring ATASDA to their part of Australia, or to meet and work with other textile artists with similar goals or special interests. The organisational effort must come from the members of the group - but they have the backing, assistance and advice of the main organisation.

Any five or more ATASDA members can apply to form a group. Contact your branch committee to discuss your ideas and goals, or the national committee if there isn't currently a branch in your state.