May 2016

This wasn't the opening news that we expected to share for May. As many of you will know Australian Design Centre, like many other small to medium organisations, was defunded by the Australia Council for the Arts. 

While we warmly congratulate those who were successful, we are stunned by this decision.  The Australian Design Centre exists among the most innovative arts institutions in the country. With a 50-year reputation in design and creativity, it is a history that gives the organisation substantial credibility as an authority in creative arts, craft and design. Along with this has come a reputation for innovative thinking and creative thought leadership.

The Federal Government has invested significantly in the Australian Design Centre over many years and the Australia Council funding provides the infrastructure to support our national touring program.  Without this core operational funding our touring program that brings craft and design to audiences around the country and supports hundreds of makers and designers is at risk. Our full statement is available here.

We appreciate all the messages of support we have received over the past few days. On a personal note, I am heartened by the many people who have reflected on experiences they have had with ADC, seeing exhibitions, participating in public programs or connecting with an artist over many years. 

We will be writing to you separately in the coming days seeking your support for our funding campaign but in the meantime it is with great pleasure that I share with you our May Design News. 

Lisa Cahill, ADC Director

 

Shapeshifters: 3D Printing the Future

Shapeshifters: 3D Printing the Future is open at Australian Design Centre. This playful exhibition features nine designers and makers who are drawing on the high-tech and the rapidly evolving world of 3D printing to revolutionise design.  Works in the exhibition range from furniture, fashion, jewellery and medical innovations. See more here

 

ADC has a brand new website

For the past few months we have been working with our partners Interaction Consortium and Interbrand on this new online resource. We hope you enjoy it and take the time to delve into the breadth of information on our blog, learning pages and exhibitions

Shapeshifters: 3D Printing the Future events

Join journalist Fenella Kernebone in conversation with artists Louis Pratt and Lousje Skala about how 3D printing can transform creative practice on Tuesday 7 June, 6pm. Book now. This event is part of Vivid Ideas.

Learn 3D Printing: During June and July, Modfab will be running a series of 3D Printing and CAD Workshops for anyone keen to explore the relatively new technology of 3D design. More information here.

 

2016 Indigenous Mentorship

We are pleased to be working with two emerging designers who will take part in Arts NSW 2016 Indigenous Design Mentorship. Nicole Monks is a trans-disciplinary artist working across furniture design, photo media and light sculpture and Lucy Simpson is a textile, graphic and object designer. We will showcase new work by both Lucy and Nicole in the gallery from late September.

On Tour

Many of our touring exhibitions are on the move; Lola Greeno: Cultural Jewels  is on display at Alcoa Mandurah Art Gallery, WA 6 May until 31 July.  Murray Art Museum Albury shows 
Resolved: Journeys in Australian Design 12 May until 12 June and Julie Paterson's Cloth: From Seeds to Bloom opened at 
Glasshouse Port Macquarie on 13 May showing until 10 July. 

Shapeshifters Vivid Sydney event

Ian Potter Learning Centre

The Ian Potter Foundation were a key partner in the construction of our learning centre at 101 William Street. This partnership also enabled us to design and make a suite of furniture for delivering our children's design thinking program Design Emergency. Read more here.

 

Image credit: Michael Eden, A Twisted Oval Wedgewoodn't Tureen, 2012, nylon with mineral coating, School class learning 3D printing provided by Modfab 3D workshops, Lucy Simpson, Bigibilla quills, 2016, Echidna quill and string, Lola Greeno: Cultural Jewels, Ian Potter Learning Centre furniture photo by Rhadi Bryant.