Watch this on your iPod - Vodcast available here

Collaboration is increasingly cited as a paradigm for joint projects in art, design and other creative areas. But whilst we readily use the term, what do we really mean by it? Is it a fully equal partnership? Or is it a benign dictatorship, with a ruling partner and orchestrated input from other experts? And does a truly democratic collaboration always produce the best results?

After completing a science degree, Janet DeBoos studied ceramics at East Sydney (National Art School) in 1970/71. She has taught at and been in charge of ceramics at various colleges in Sydney (St George and Randwick TAFEs) and was Head Teacher at East Sydney when she retired from fulltime teaching in 1980 to run a production pottery for almost 20 years.

This lecture was shot on Saturday 6th August, 2011 as part of COFA's Design Week festival.