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Donate today and have your say
Donate to save ADC!
For 61 years, Australian Design Centre has represented, celebrated and promoted this country’s incredible designers, makers and artists, sharing their work with national and international audiences.
This year, despite praising our great cultural and community value, the State and Federal government arts agencies cut off ADC’s four-year funding which for decades has underpinned this small but vital arts organisation. We put out this announcement about it.
This unexplained defunding decision has placed a big question mark over ADC’s future, but you can help with two simple actions – making a donation and writing to government to express your concern.
Thank you for helping us continue our important work in the design and craft space for the next 60 years and beyond.
Lisa Cahill
Artistic Director and CEO, Australian Design Centre
Imagine if our 30,000+ supporters each gave a $100 tax deductible donation to ADC. This would mean $3 million to continue our operations, securing the organisation to support thousands of designers, artists and makers for the next five years.
We support the creative community in practical ways, through employment, commissions, exhibitions, retail opportunities and professional development for makers, designers and artists.
We champion designers and craftspeople as creative problem-solvers who can work together to inspire new ideas and find solutions in these challenging and critical times.
We also encourage everyone, no matter what age, background or skill level, to participate in the act of making with hands-on workshops for adults and young people.
Any amount over $2 is tax deductible.
- Donate directly today to receive a tax return receipt.
- Make a bequest to leave a legacy for yourself or a loved one.
ADC is well-equipped to manage donated funds with a qualified and experienced finance, risk and audit Board and management structure. We are grateful to our generous donors who support ADC to showcase the work of outstanding craftspeople and designers for audiences across Australia.
How to donate:
Use the donate button below to access a secure form for credit/debit card donations, or donate via EFT. Please email ADC Finance Manager Michele Havas for bank account details, michele@australiandesigncentre.com
Bequests
To make a bequest in your will and join The Jane Burns Giving Circle, you can find information here: australiandesigncentre.com/bequests
If you have any queries or need assistance, please email Michele Havas michele@australiandesigncentre.com or Lisa Cahill lisa@australiandesigncentre.com and we will contact you directly.
WRITE ABOUT IT
We have already received many messages of support in response to our announcement. To voice your concerns about the impact of these government funding decisions, we invite you to write directly to:
NSW Government
The Hon John Graham MLC
Minister for the Arts (NSW)
john.graham@parliament.nsw.gov.au and office@graham.minister.nsw.gov.au
Cc: Mr Alex Greenwich MP Member for Sydney sydney@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Cc: Lisa Cahill, CEO Australian Design Centre
lisa@australiandesigncentre.com
Australian Government
The Hon Tony Burke MP
Minister for the Arts (Australia)
Tony.Burke.MP@aph.gov.au
Cc: Allegra Spender MP, Member for Wentworth info@allegraspender.com.au
Cc: Lisa Cahill, CEO Australian Design Centre
lisa@australiandesigncentre.com
Thank you for your invaluable support, from ADC and all the people in our amazing creative community.
READ ALL ABOUT IT
Media articles on this issue:
ArtsHub 'Australian Design Centre loses state and federal funding faces uncertain future'
ArchitectureAU 'The Australian Design Centre needs our help'
WoodReview 'Australian Design Centre base funding to be withdrawn'
The Sydney Morning Herald 7 July 2025
ArtsHub 'Defunding Success in the arts is not saving money - it's destroying value'
Please donate by using the secure donation form here. Alternatively, please email michele@australiandesigncentre.com or Lisa Cahill lisa@australiandesigncentre.com and we will help you to make your donation.