Closing this week is the tenth exhibition in the Living Treasures Masters of Australian Craft series, The Story So Far honouring the work of Helen Britton. I’ve been privileged to have the chance to work with Helen, to understand something of her practice and to produce this exhibition, audio tour,  publication, podcast and the various events.

While it may be ending in Sydney the show will go on across Australia with ADC On Tour, opening at University of Newcastle Galleries, Watt Space in February 2026. If you haven’t already, please do read Gina Fairley’s Artshub review or listen to Maisy Stapleton’s interview with Helen on Eastside FM.

Next week we are delighted to launch the 2025 MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design. Together with an esteemed panel of expert judges I’m excited to be selecting the prize winners from the 36 finalists and unveiling them at the launch event on 10 October. See you there!

We are also launching the ninth annual Sydney Craft Week Festival on 10 October along with many exhibitions and events here at ADC and across Sydney and beyond. This is an incredible, joyful celebration of craft and design that truly demonstrates how important design and making are to artists and audiences. Pick up a guide from us here at ADC or go online sydneycraftweek.com

Lots of people have asked me what the future holds for ADC given the decision by federal and state governments not to provide adequate operational funding. If you know anyone who can help us with the shortfall of $350,000 per year that we need to fund minimum operations, I’d love to hear from them. Following an ADC Board meeting later this month, we will make a further announcement.

Enjoy the Sydney Craft Week Festival and watch out for the MAKE Award announcements.

Lisa Cahill
CEO and Artistic Director
SCW Festival Director

Exhibitions

MAKE Award 2025
Australian Design Centre is proud to present The 2025 MAKE Award: Biennial Prize for Innovation in Australian Craft and Design.

This major national award celebrating innovation in contemporary craft and design, selects works submitted by Australian designer makers demonstrating innovation in technique or material use. 36 finalists have been selected this year with innovative works in ceramic, textiles, furniture, lighting, glass, jewellery and object. 

The 2025 MAKE Award WINNER will be announced on Opening Night with the launch of Sydney Craft Week Festival Friday 10 October.

Everyone is invited to join in the celebrations.

Opening Night 10 October, 6:00 pm
Floor Talk 11 October, 11:30am

Remade Reloved 2025
Remade-Reloved is an ongoing curatorial project in which artists create contemporary jewellery from discarded components.

Attend a floor talk with the curator and artists or book the Costume Jewellery Rehash workshop to be guided through the process of upcycling and repurposing old costume jewellery pieces to craft earrings, a bracelet or neckpiece.

Gallery 2 Exhibition 10 October – 19 November
Talk Saturday 18 October, 11:30am - 12:30pm
Workshop Saturday 18 October, 1:30pm – 3:30pm

No Friends But The Ghost (Ceng Beng)
Jayanto Tan created this ‘soft still life’ sculpture during the COVID-19 lockdowns in response to conversations or personal attacks related to race, class, migration, stereotype and identity

This work-in-progress combines earthenware clay and embroidery on found fabrics that represent the spirit of the Deli River, where Jayanto was born, and the Cooks River, his adopted home.

Object Space Exhibition 10 October – 19 November
Exhibition Tours Thursdays 12.30pm – 1pm

Sydney Craft Week at ADC

Australian Design Centre presents the 9th annual Sydney Craft Week Festival from 10-19 October 2025.

The only city-wide craft festival in Sydney, Sydney Craft Week (SCW) has a huge program of experiences for makers and the public to be part of in 2025. From hands on making to exhibitions and events, SCW showcases the latest in contemporary craft.

This year the program includes 600+ participating artists and 58 participating groups across 37 suburbs of Sydney to present over 240 events, exhibitions, workshops, markets, open studios and more.

Margot Design Embroidery
Margot is a Sydney-based textile designer and artist, working at the intersection of art and design. Her practice spans painting, drawing, printing, textiles, and embroidery, with a focus on exploring pattern, colour, and design. She is an active champion Australian design as well as ethical and sustainable practices in her work

While Margot's workshop is sold out, seize this opportunity to shop embroidered pieces at the Live Demonstration and Pop Shop. 

Workshop SOLD OUT 15 October 11am - 1pm
Live Demonstration and Pop Shop 15 October 11am - 4pm

Roly - ClothFabric Popup with Julie Paterson
During Sydney Craft Week Julie Paterson will pop up her trailer, ‘Roly’. Meet Julie and purchase ClothFabric materials and products. Join an informal stitch in to contribute to the Menindee Memorial Loop Project.

See Julie's Roly, Cloth and Fabic Popup on the corner of Palmer street outside of ADC.

Popup and Stitch In 11 October 11am - 1pm

Images:
ADC Opening Night, 2023. Photo: Amy Piddington. Anna Davern,  MAKE AWARD 2025, Various Artists, Image: Collated by ADCRemade Reloved Work in Progress. Photo COTA. ayanto Tan, Acute Actions Exhibition Photo/s: Kai Wasikowski for 4A, SCW 2024. Photo by Ruben Davis. Margot Design, Details. Courtesy of the Artist; Margot Design, Menindee Loop; Julie Paterson, Photo: Courtesy of the Artist.