It’s been six full decades since the beginning of what was Australia’s first Craft Association in 1964, later becoming the Crafts Council of NSW, Object and of course the Australian Design Centre.

The ADC has always been about supporting and showcasing Australia’s best designer makers. 2024 is set to see a number of celebratory events, starting with the big 60th Birthday Party on 16th May. This will feature ADC’s Living Treasures, Australia’s most iconic crafts practitioners, and six emerging designer makers.

On 23rd May, 60 Cups Morning Tea will take place with 60 bespoke teacups made by Australian ceramicists for – you guessed it – 60 guests. The Design Futures 2084 speaker series then looks 60 years ahead, with events on 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th May.

Meanwhile, 60 open studios and hands-on workshops are due to take place across the city during Sydney Craft Week (11-20th October). Lastly, 60 minutes with Vipoo Srivilasa is scheduled for November, with an artist talk and tour of Vipoo’s solo exhibition Re/JOY at ADC featuring his spectacular ceramic sculptures which reference broken objects donated by people who have migrated to Australia.

CEO and Artistic Director of ADC since 2016, Lisa Cahill, says: “This organisation is incredibly honoured to have represented and supported Australia’s designer makers for so long. Some things haven’t changed – we have always showcased cutting-edge contemporary creative practice. 

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“We have a deep commitment to First Nations creative expression, and projects that consider environmental solutions driven by good design.

“We are enormously proud of Australia’s craft and design practitioners who have carved out a unique position in a world context, and I feel optimistic that ADC will continue to encourage and collaborate with these incredibly creative hands and minds for decades to come. We invite everyone to celebrate this country’s unique craft and design culture and our most innovative and exciting designer-makers.”

Find out more about the ADC’s60th birthday events here.

Australian Design Centre
australiandesigncentre.com

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