Craft + Design Canberra

Craft + Design Canberra We promote and celebrate excellence and innovation in contemporary craft in everything we do – in our retail space, exhibitions, events and membership program.

Craft and Design Canberra is a not-for-profit membership based organisation which supports artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers.

STARTING 1 JULY | 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge⁠Date + Time | 1 to 21 July 2026Location | Online...
26/06/2026

STARTING 1 JULY | 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge⁠
Date + Time | 1 to 21 July 2026
Location | Online via Instagram
Cost | Free to participate | Register via our website https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/programs/2026-craft-design-canberra-daily-creative-challenge⁠
The 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge celebrates Canberra as a vibrant centre of creativity while connecting a wider community of makers across Australia and beyond.
Canberra is the most creative city in Australia. Our creative workforce is 2.3% higher than the national average and our creative economy makes the largest proportionate contribution to Gross State Product of any jurisdiction in the country*. Canberra is pursuing UNESCO Creative City of Design status, a global designation that recognises cities where creativity is central to identity.
Now in its 5th year, the Challenge invites you to make your mark on our creative city, one act of making at a time, improving wellbeing and fostering connections and creative expression. Wherever you are, you are invited to take part and contribute to this shared momentum.
This July, we explore the theme of Dissent and advocate for creativity as a powerful tool for questioning, challenging, and reshaping ourselves and the world around us.
We invite you to engage in daily creative practice from 1 to 21 July, using any medium such as clay, fabric, paper, metal, paint, writing, photography or digital tools to rediscover inspiration and support wellbeing. ⁠
Register today for FREE | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/programs/2026-craft-design-canberra-daily-creative-challenge
Images | Photography by 5 Foot Photography
1. Participant at Stitching with Presence facilitated with Michele Grimston
2. Participant making at Kids Winter Clay Workshop with Fran Romano
3. Participant Sketching in Urban Biome with Sally Black
4. Participant making in a Canberra Centre Workshop

OPPORTUNITY CLOSING IN ONE WEEK | 2027 Artist-In-Residence Program | Closing 2 July 2026 Craft + Design Canberra’s Artis...
25/06/2026

OPPORTUNITY CLOSING IN ONE WEEK | 2027 Artist-In-Residence Program | Closing 2 July 2026
Craft + Design Canberra’s Artist-in-Residence program offers contemporary craft practitioners and designers a unique opportunity to research and spend time in Namadgi National Park, culminating in an exhibition at the Craft + Design Canberra Gallery. Running for 20 years, this prestigious program allows artists time for investigation and reflection in natural settings. In 2027 the artists will spend 2 weeks at the Australian National Botanic Gardens followed by 3 weeks at Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage in Namadgi National Park.
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Accessibility | If you require an alternative format to complete this application or have any accessibility questions, please contact us via email [email protected]
Applications are encouraged from all makers, artists and creatives. The application deadline is 11.59PM Thursday 2 July 2026.
Find out more + begin your application today | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/pages/opportunities
Image | Person at the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Artist-in-Residence Workshop + Open Day | Photography by Ggoodwin Media

The Treasury at Craft + Design Canberra is now open.⁠⁠Our newly rebranded shop at Craft + Design Canberra celebrates Can...
25/06/2026

The Treasury at Craft + Design Canberra is now open.⁠⁠
Our newly rebranded shop at Craft + Design Canberra celebrates Canberra as a creative capital.⁠ Enjoy a curated selection of over 250+ items, by 40 makers from the region.⁠
The Treasury at Craft + Design Canberra is a destination filled with a curated collection of works by Canberra's most talented makers and designers. Every piece has been chosen because it is beautiful, because it is made with care, and because it represents the best of what our city creates. ⁠⁠
Visit the Treasury in person, open noon to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday at Craft + Design Canberra. Our Shop is located upstairs in the North Building, 1, 180 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601.⁠⁠
Plan your purchases online today | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/pages/shop⁠
Photography by 5 Foot Photography

MEET THE MAKER | Meet the 2025 Craft + Design Canberra Curatoreum Prize Winner, Lynn Petersen.⁠⁠Lynn shares with us her ...
24/06/2026

MEET THE MAKER | Meet the 2025 Craft + Design Canberra Curatoreum Prize Winner, Lynn Petersen.⁠⁠
Lynn shares with us her best tips and tricks for those wanting to join the Daily Creative Challenge this year.⁠⁠
'There are too many parts of the Daily Creative Challenge that I love to choose just one favourite – I love the anticipation of discovering the new word each morning, trying out new ideas, making something most days, seeing what others had made in response to the provocation – so creative – and the stories connected to the responses.'⁠⁠
Sign up today + join creatives, artists and makers from all over the world, responding to a daily prompt from 1 - 21 July 2026.⁠⁠
Free to enter. Over $8,000 in prizes to be won. Sign up today | https://events.humanitix.com/2026-craft-design-canberra-daily-creative-challenge⁠⁠
Photography by 5 Foot Photography⁠
Images 1 - 3 | Lyn facilitating her Quirky Finger Puppets Workshop at Craft + Design Canberra ⁠
Image 4 + 5 | Lynns artwork as part of the 2025 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge Winners Exhibition

ON UNTIL SATURDAY 18 JULY | Edge of Presence by Brenda PageSee the works in person and visit the Gallery, open noon to 4...
23/06/2026

ON UNTIL SATURDAY 18 JULY | Edge of Presence by Brenda Page
See the works in person and visit the Gallery, open noon to 4pm Wednesday to Saturday at Craft + Design Canberra. Our Shop + Gallery are located upstairs in the North Building, 1, 180 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601.⁠
LEARN MORE | About the Exhibition⁠⁠
Edge of Presence is a sculptural body of work that employs glass to examine mortality, reflection, and the human condition. Developed during a residency at Canberra Glassworks and later expanded in the artist’s studio, the exhibition presents a series of sculptural glass pieces. ⁠⁠
At its centre, Edge of Presence is about holding space for pause, transition, and stillness. The works invite quiet consideration of what shapes us, what we carry, and how we might meet life’s endings with reflection and, perhaps, gratitude. ⁠⁠
For more information visit our website | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/current-exhibitions/edge-of-presence⁠
Thank you to our government organisational support from and .australia. Thank you to our multi year partners .byhollyofficial, , , , .com.au, , and
Photography by 5 Foot Photography

OPENING NIGHT | Thank you to everyone that joined us for the opening of our new exhibitions at Craft + Design Canberra.⁠...
19/06/2026

OPENING NIGHT | Thank you to everyone that joined us for the opening of our new exhibitions at Craft + Design Canberra.⁠⁠
You can now visit the exhibitions until 18 July 2026. The Craft + Design Canberra Gallery is open from Wednesday to Saturday from noon to 4pm.⁠⁠
LEARN MORE | About the Exhibitions⁠⁠
Veins of Air is a new body of work by glass artist Akie Haga. The installation explores how air, though unseen, can be perceived through subtle shifts in form and movement. ⁠⁠
Edge of Presence by Brenda Page is a sculptural body of work that employs glass to examine mortality, reflection, and the human condition. Developed during a residency at Canberra Glassworks and later expanded in the artist’s studio, the exhibition presents a series of sculptural glass pieces. ⁠⁠
Reclamation is a multidisciplinary exhibition by Wiradjuri weaver Jessika Spencer. Grounded in cultural knowledge and material practice, this exhibition brings together traditional fibres and contemporary expression to honour memory, identity and the enduring relationship to Country. ⁠⁠
Loop, Hook, Loom is an exhibition celebrating the launch of Loop, Hook, Loom an art book by Sophia Cai, published by Smith Street Books in May 2026. The book focuses on the works of 37 Australian and international artists working across knitting, crochet and weaving practices in creative ways. ⁠⁠
Thank you to our government organisational support from and .australia. Thank you to our multi year partners .byhollyofficial, , , , .com.au, , and ⁠⁠
Photography by 5 Foot Photography

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING | Quirky Finger Puppets | Lynn Petersen⁠Thank you to everyone who joined us for Quirky Finger Pu...
18/06/2026

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING | Quirky Finger Puppets | Lynn Petersen⁠
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Quirky Finger Puppets with Lynn Petersen. Lynn guided our participants through techniques, tips and tricks to create their own magical felted creatures.⁠
If you enjoyed this workshop or feel inspired to try something new, explore our upcoming programs and workshops. You will find opportunities to learn from talented local makers and artists, discover new skills, and connect with our creative community.⁠⁠
Visit our website today | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/programs⁠
Images | Participants in the Quirky Finger Puppets workshop with Lynn Petersen | Photography by 5 Foot Photography

MEET THE MAKER | Meet the 2025 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge Curatoreum Prize Winner, Sally Blake.Sal...
18/06/2026

MEET THE MAKER | Meet the 2025 Craft + Design Canberra Daily Creative Challenge Curatoreum Prize Winner, Sally Blake.
Sally shares with us her best tips and tricks for those wanting to join the Daily Creative Challenge this year.
'(The Challenge) got me going on a daily practice again. I was having a creative slump and responding to prompts daily refocused me to make everyday
which suits me.'
View Sallys 2025 Responses | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/2025-daily-creative-challenge-exhibition-online/sally-blake?srsltid=AfmBOooONPUGxNi3uMWGhdU93mhLk9jprXDf-Sv6hDdwgwuXf_uLWiBb
Sign up today + join creatives, artists and makers from all over the world, responding to a daily prompt from 1 - 21 July 2026.
Free to enter. Over $8,000 in prizes to be won. Sign up today | https://events.humanitix.com/2026-craft-design-canberra-daily-creative-challenge
Images | Supplied by the Artist

18/06/2026

2026 CRAFT + DESIGN CANBERRA CITY OF DESIGN GRANT RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED | Festival to Highlight Canberra as a Global City of Design
Craft + Design Canberra (CDC) applauds the ACT Government's commitment to Canberra as a City of Design and the funding which allows us to present the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, involving over 500 creatives and more than 30 partner venues and organisations across the city.
The Festival will run from 5 to 15 November 2026 under the theme ‘Dissent’, highlighting the role of creativity in challenging ideas, encouraging new perspectives and fostering meaningful public dialogue.
The 2026 Festival is delivered with the support of the ACT Government’s City of Design funding, which committed more than $1.2 million in the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 budget to the Festival and associated initiatives, including over $600,000 project grant funding administered by artsACT with festival project management by Craft + Design Canberra.
After twelve years of supporting and growing the Festival, Craft + Design Canberra is deeply thankful for the recognition and support of the ACT Government. Over 70% of funding goes directly to creatives and arts organisations across the city to enable the best festival yet.
For a full list of award recipients, please visit our website | https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/blogs/news/2026-craft-design-canberra-city-of-design-grant-recipients-announced-festival-to-highlight-canberra-as-a-global-city-of-design
Image | Matt Curtis Clear Increment 2016 | Photography by Rob Little

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Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit
Canberra, ACT
2608

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Wednesday 12pm - 4pm
Thursday 12pm - 4pm
Friday 12pm - 4pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm

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