Celebrating 60 years
Australian Design Centre (ADC) is an independent impact organisation focussed on contemporary craft and design practice. We take a lead role developing and supporting Australia’s craftspeople and designers to build audiences for their work globally. We do this through our extensive exhibition, festival, touring, retail, publishing and learning platforms.
From the expertly handcrafted to the latest advances in technology, from cross-disciplinary practice to the incredible knowledge, culture, and traditions of continuing First Nations culture, our program engages the community in the possibility of making and design to creatively transform the lived experience.
Our programs offer a space for designers and makers to experiment, test new ideas and push the boundaries of innovation in contemporary craft and design. We are focused on presenting a diversity of practice both in terms of the creative disciplines in contemporary craft and design and the cultural diversity of practitioners and audiences. We are committed to ethical practice and making a positive impact.
Since 1964 we have collaborated with thousands of artists, designers, and makers, with arts and cultural organisations across Australia, with funding partners, corporate partners, donors, and with audiences far and wide to nurture and present creative ideas and increase participation.
ADC's CEO & Artistic Director, Lisa Cahill says ... "2024 is dedicated to the thousands of creative people who have worked with us and supported us in all sorts of ways over the decades. Some are no longer with us but their creative sparks continue to inspire us and drive us to make, design, curate, write and talk about Australia's incredible creative industries. We hope to see you in 2024 to celebrate Australia's significant craft and design culture and our most innovative and exciting designer-makers."
We look forward to welcoming you to the Centre in 2024 to help celebrate our 60th birthday!
Major Exhibitions and Events for 2024
In 2024 we'll celebrate with a plethora of exciting exhibitions and events showcasing the very best in creative practice.
Here are some of the highlights!
International Art Textile Biennale 2023
6 February—16 March 2024
Australian Design Centre presents the best of contemporary art textiles. The selected works in this biennale award push previously held notions of textile and fibre practice, with artists commenting on body and beauty, isolation and community.
The Art of Making: Studio Woodworkers Australia
22 March—4 May 2024
The Art of Making: Studio Woodworkers Australia, demonstrates technical mastery pushing creative and material boundaries across furniture, objects and wall pieces. We're excited to be working with our friends at Studio Woodworkers Australia for the second time on this showcase of fine craftsmanship.
ADC's 60th Birthday Party
10 May—1 June 2024
In 2024 Australian Design Centre turns 60! Register your interest in our 60th birthday events here.
Contemporary Lace
6 June—17 July 2024
Curated by Sydney textile artist Jane Theau, and produced and presented by Australian Design Centre, this exhibition showcases the diversity of contemporary lacemaking by Australian artists.
Current
26 July—25 September 2024
Touring from McClelland Gallery, Current features newly commissioned and recent work by three First Nations artists, Gail Mabo (Meriam), Lisa Waup (Gunditjmara/Torres Strait Islands), Dominic White (Palawa/Trawlwoolway) — affirming their powerful connection to their lands, waters and ancestors.
FUSE
3 October—13 November 2024
The FUSE Glass Prize is a non-acquisitive biennial prize for Australian and New Zealand glass artists — providing a platform for artists to push themselves and their work to new limits. An initiative of JamFactory, Australian Design Centre is delighted to again present this exhibition of the finalists.
Sydney Craft Week Festival
11—20 October 2024
The Sydney Craft Week Festival is a city-wide festival of making held each year in October that presents the latest in contemporary craft as well as offering opportunities for craft lovers to learn new skills in workshops and buy from local artists. This will be the eighth annual festival Australian Design Centre has produced with the supported of The City of Sydney and Create NSW.
Re/JOY: Vipoo Srivilasa
21 November 2024—1 February 2025
Australian Design Centre is delighted to present this major interactive exhibition by Thai born Australian artist, Vipoo Srivilasa, to feature seven 1.5 metre tall ceramic sculptures inspired by broken ceramic objects from across the globe and the stories of people who have migrated to Australia. This exhibition is developed with the support of Creative Australia and is an ADC On Tour exhibition.
ADC On Tour
Australian Design Centre’s national exhibition touring program ADC On Tour represents a significant part of our core business. ADC On Tour gives national and regional audiences an opportunity, to not only see contemporary craft and design, but also participate in programs that encourage hands-on activity.
SIXTY: The Journal of Australian Ceramics 60th Anniversary
SIXTY: The Journal of Australian Ceramics 60th Anniversary 1962–2022 is a special ADC On Tour exhibition project presented in partnership with The Australian Ceramics Association to acknowledge this significant anniversary. SIXTY will be touring to the following locations through 2024.
Ararat Gallery TAMA, VIC
2 December 2023—11 February 2024
Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, TAS
15 March—19 May 2024
Design Tasmania, TAS
31 May—22 July 2024
Tamworth Regional Gallery, NSW
9 August—29 September 2024
Blue Mountains Cultural Centre, NSW
12 October—24 November 2024
Hazlehurst Arts Centre, NSW
29 November 2024—2 February 2025
MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design
Australian Design Centre presented this major new national award in 2023 celebrating innovation in contemporary craft and design. Works were submitted by Australian designer makers demonstrating innovation in technique or material use, and the 30 pre-selected finalists form this exciting exhibition. After the exhibition was held at ADC, the MAKE Award exhibition is travelling interstate as part of ADC On Tour:
Jam Factory, SA
15 December—28 April 2024
Geelong Gallery, VIC
10 August—27 October 2024
You are all part of the Australian craft and design story
Australian Design Centre's purpose is to support and promote craft and design practice and demonstrate how we can all incorporate creativity into everyday life. With your support, we can continue to do this work with confidence — knowing that, like us, you believe in the power of creativity and design to enrich our lives.
All donations make a difference.