Australian Design Centre is delighted to announce eight new Australian Design Honourees for their extensive contributions to craft and design in Australia.
Anna Grigson and Maria Grimaldi from Sabbia Gallery have supported artists over the past 13 years. They continue to make an exceptional contribution in growing recognition for Australian ceramics and glass.
Grace Cochrane AM is an independent curator, writer and consultant who has made an incredible contribution over many years to the decorative arts and craft sector through her writing, teaching and curating.
Jane Burns AM played an integral role in establishing and supporting crafts organisations nationally over four decades. She was a founding member of the Arts Law Centre of Australia, the National Association for the Visual Arts, the National Arts Industry Training Council (now known as Create Australia), and the Australian Academy of Design. In 1988, Jane Burns was awarded the Order of Australia for her services to the crafts.
Dr Kevin Murray has dedicated his professional practice to craft and the handmade as writer, curator, teacher and academic. We acknowledge Kevin Murray for his extensive contributions to craft and design across these diverse platforms and in particular for broadening our awareness and understanding of craft in the Asia Pacific region through his Garland Magazine.
Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gadigal woman Nadeena Dixon is recognised as a multi-disciplinary artist in Indigenous cultural traditions and her cultural practices include dance, song, language, song writing, contemporary theatre storytelling and contemporary ceremony. Nadeena has made an immense contribution across a range of creative fields and in particular her weaving practice.
Making his mark as a silversmith, an exceptional member of the craft community and as an educator, Oliver Smith is a Senior Lecturer at the Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney, and served on the Australian Design Centre Board for six years.
Executive Officer of The Ceramics Association and Managing Editor of the Journal of Australian Ceramics, Vicki Grima is acknowledged for her extraordinary contribution and commitment to ceramics.
Australian Design Honours is a growing resource dedicated to promoting and advocating for Australian contemporary craft and design on the world stage.
The newest Australian Design Honourees were announced at the launch of Sydney Craft Week on Friday 6 October.
Explore the Australian Design Honours webpage here
Image: Australian Design Honourees 2017: L - R: Oliver Smith, Grace Cochrane, Maria Grimaldi, Vicki Grima, Jane Burn and Anna Grigson. Photo: Simon Cardwell.