Australian Design Centre (ADC) is an integral part of the arts ecology in Australia. This small, dynamic, independent organisation has nurtured and supported thousands of artists since 1964, presenting their work locally, nationally and internationally across extensive exhibition, touring, retail, publishing and digital platforms.
Today we announce the difficult news that both Federal and State governments, through Creative Australia and Create NSW, have chosen not to support Australian Design Centre with four year operational funding.
This means that from 2026 ADC will no longer have the $500,000 in base level funding needed to support annual operations.
Despite ADC being recommended by peers for funding, decisions by government quoting a lack of available funds and other priorities, means that NSW will be the only state/territory in Australia without a government funded organisation dedicated to craft and design practice.
ADC continues to be a highly successful organisation in the arts ecology despite reduced government budget commitments to the arts over the past decade and these disappointing recent decisions by government to favour different activities.
We respect the funding process, and celebrate the many successful applicants, but we find the decision to remove this base level of operational funding from ADC after decades of investment, difficult to understand.
As an independent organisation we have operated on a tenuous financial footing for too long. Operating under incredible pressure to perform with inadequate resources, an organisation can only push well above its weight for so long.
ADC has been remarkable in this regard for decades, and most recently since 2016 under the leadership of Executive Director Lisa Cahill (CEO and Artistic Director). Lisa and the ADC team have forged strong and pivotal partnerships and connected thousands of artists with audiences and market development opportunities across multiple platforms.
While government core operational funding has declined in real terms since 2015, ADC has successfully secured more than $5 million in project grants, philanthropy and earned income underpinning this extensive activity and contribution to Australian cultural life.
The Future
While ADC continues to deliver an ambitious program in 2025, the volunteer board and the team are imagining the future for 2026 and beyond.
Without core operational funding it is difficult to see how ADC can continue in its current form.
We are continuing to apply for all funding opportunities available to ADC, but we will need help from the community.
We know there are passionate, committed and connected people in the community who love what we do and want to see these key programs continue:
- the national exhibition touring program ADC On Tour;
- the Sydney exhibition program with 18 exhibition produced annually;
- the recently announced MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design;
- the Sydney Craft Week Festival now in its ninth year: and
- Object Shop (presenting work by more than 150 artists).
You may be able to help with financial support, or you may know people who can.
You may be interested in acquiring all or part of ADC, or you may have ideas for collaboration.
We’re interested in formal proposals to help us to reimagine our future beyond 2025.
We invite proposals in confidence from organisations, institutions, and individuals with an interest in ensuring that the legacy of ADC can continue.
Written proposals submitted in confidence should include:
- A brief overview of the interested party including financial capacity and relevant experience.
- Nature and scope of interest.
- Strategic rationale for interest.
The ADC Board will consider all proposals submitted in confidence by 15 August 2025 to lisa@australiandesigncentre.com
Any questions about this opportunity to contribute to a future for Australian Design Centre should be directed to the Executive Director (CEO and Artistic Director) Lisa Cahill on (02) 93614555 or lisa@australiandesigncentre.com.
Advocacy
We know many people will find this situation as challenging as we do. To voice your concerns about the impact of these government funding decisions for Australian Design Centre, 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
Cc: Mr Alex Greenwich MP Member for Sydney sydney@parliament.nsw.gov.au
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
If you write to the above we suggest that you also cc lisa@australiandesigncentre.com so that we can collate your statements.
More information
Q. Will the ADC program for 2025 continue as planned?
A. Yes definitely. All programs, including all exhibitions and the Sydney Craft Week Festival, will continue as planned in 2025 and current tours will operate as planned beyond that date.
Q. Does this mean ADC in Darlinghurst will close?
A. The ADC Board will determine the future for the Centre in William Street before the end of 2025 in consultation with our local government partner The City of Sydney.
Q. How do I find out more about ADC?
You can find out more about ADC on our websites:
https://australiandesigncentre.com/
https://sydneycraftweek.com/
https://makeaward.au/
The ADC Constitution is here
The 2024 Annual Report is here
The 2024 Financial Statements are here
From all of us at Australian Design Centre, thank you to all members of the creative community (artists and organisations), partners donors and supporters and visitors who continue to make ADC what it is today.