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Supporter Update
A huge thank you to everyone in our community who has taken the time to write or make a donation since we made the announcement about the loss of NSW state government and federal government operational funding.
With your support we have raised over $40,000 in the past 10 days which all helps towards securing a future for ADC.
What our community is saying about ADC:
"You will not find a better managed arts organisation. The team at ADC has consistently punched above it’s weight for decades, operating on modest budgets to deliver world class, powerhouse programs and exhibitions that showcase Australian artists and designers, support and engage communities through workshops and lectures given by Internationally recognised craftspeople and advocate on behalf of Australian craftspeople." Kathy Elliott and Ben Edols
"This shortsighted decision will have a critical impact on the state of contemporary craft and design practices in Australia. We must remember the important role that craft and design practices play in innovation in Australia. It is unbelievable that our government should consider it not a priority." Dr Barbara Bolt
"ADC has played a pivotal role in our development, offering us early opportunities, professional mentorship, and a platform to share our work with wider audiences. Through their belief in our practice, we have been able to grow from a small independent studio to an award-winning business whose work spans exhibitions, public art, educational programs and national institutions. Eggpicnic
"Institutions like ADC are essential to the health and growth of our design sector, they have supported me through grants, international exhibition, talks and exhibition spaces throughout my career, yet they remain under-recognised and under-supported. If we are serious about nurturing creativity, innovation, and cultural identity in this country, this urgently needs to change. This institution must remain open." Nicole Monks
Donate before 30 June 2025
Imagine if our 30,000+ social media followers gave a $100 tax deductible donation to ADC by 30 June 2025. This would mean $3million to continue ADC operations securing the organisation to support thousands of designers, artists, and crafts workers for the next five years.
You can help by donating what you can and get a tax deduction by end of today.
Use the donate button below that will take you to a secure form for credit/debit card donations. You may also donate to the ADC via EFT. Please email ADC Finance Manager Michele Havas michele@australiandesigncentre.com for bank account details.
ADC is well equipped to manage donated funds with a qualified and experienced finance, risk and audit Board and management structure.
Media
https://architectureau.com/articles/the-australian-design-centre-needs-our-help/
https://www.woodreview.com.au/news/australian-design-centre-base-funding-to-be-withdrawn
https://www.everythingthe.com/p/beggars-banquet
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 or office@graham.minister.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.
How else can I help?
While ADC continues to deliver an ambitious program in 2025, the volunteer board and the team are imagining the future for 2026 and beyond. We are continuing to apply for all funding opportunities available to ADC, but we will need help from the community.
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.
Thank you
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.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Australian Design Centre is proud to be a creative place located on Gadigal Country. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners, the Gadigal People, and to Elders past and present. As a cultural organisation with national connections, we also pay our respects to all First Peoples across the country.
About Australian Design Centre
Established in 1964, Australian Design Centre is an independent impact organisation based in Darlinghurst, Sydney. We support and promote Australia’s innovative designer makers, established and emerging, and encourage people to engage with design, craft and creativity through dynamic and high-quality national touring exhibitions, publishing, digital and educational activities.
ADC is supported by the generosity of our partners and donors, the Australian Government through the Visions Australia program, the NSW Government through Create NSW and the City of Sydney.
ADC is a member of Australian Craft and Design Centres network, Australian Museum and Galleries Association, Arts Law, NAVA, Regional and Public Galleries NSW and the Sydney Culture Network.
