ADC launches First Nations Strategic Framework

We are privileged to work alongside First Nations people. We recognise we have much to learn and share about culture and Country. We look forward to working together to implement the Framework. Many thanks to Donna Biles Fernando and Debbie Abraham for their work on this key initiative. Lisa Cahill, ADC CEO and Artistic Director

Recognising the history and the significance of First Nations cultural practices and the traditional sovereign rights of First Nations people, Australian Design Centre (ADC) has regularly and consistently highlighted the work of First Nations artists, designers and cultural producers.

ADC aims to be a creative organisation with authentic and respectful First Peoples engagement strategies embedded throughout our decision-making processes, creative programming, operations, audience development and marketing.

In 2022, ADC developed a Strategic Framework: First Nations Engagement 2023–2027 (‘the Framework’) to provide practical and ethical guidelines to support our commitment to First Nations art, craft and design across the organisation, including the Board, staff, creatives, community, audiences, partners and collaborators.

The Framework identifies ways in which to improve authentic acknowledgment, employment opportunities, procurement, professional development, project planning and consultative processes, to ensure we work respectfully, collaboratively and sustainably.

A key role in the organisation is the First Nations Creative Producer. The current incumbent is Dakota Dixon, proud Dharawal-Dhungatti woman from the La Perouse area and a descendant of the traditional owners of Sydney Harbour. A new First Nations Reference Group will inform engagement strategies on an ongoing basis.

The 2023 program includes (the late) Arone Raymond Meeks’ large Australia-shaped chaise longue, entitled Spirit Ark, in the Unravelling Queerly exhibition, as a part of the WorldPride Arts Program.

Engagement continues with Mutukaku Ngura – Motorcar Country, a collaboration with Tjapni Desert Weavers, planned for April, as well as a number of dedicated First Nations projects throughout the year creatively produced by Dakota Dixon.

To know more about our strategic framework, please click here

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About Australian Design Centre 

Established in 1964, Australian Design Centre is an independent impact organisation based in Sydney. We create opportunities for people to engage with design, craft and creativity through dynamic and high-quality national touring exhibitions, publishing, digital and educational activities.

We ignite creativity and innovative ideas through:
Exhibitions – Showcasing the best making and design by Australian creators.
Touring – Bringing the power of making and design to new audiences across Australia.
Learning – Inspiring Australians to use design to transform their future.

Australian Design Centre is supported by the generosity of our partners and donors, the Visual Arts and Craft Strategy, an initiative of the Australian, State and Territory Governments, the New South Wales Government through Create NSW, the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, and the City of Sydney. Australian Design Centre is a member of Australian Craft and Design Centres network and the Sydney Culture Network. 

Acknowledgement

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 an arts organisation with national connections, we also pay our respects to all First Peoples across the country.

We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture as the oldest continuing culture in the world. We celebrate the diversity of language, culture, custom, ceremony and knowledge (Lore) of First Peoples as Traditional Owners, custodians and communities with an ongoing connection across land, sea and waterways.

We acknowledge that the lands on which we live and work are unceded – always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land.

Image: Smoking ceremony at launch of Gadigal Mural 2019. Photo: courtesy of Mark Metcalf City of Sydney. Marrnyula Mununggurr, Djapu clan design bark painting, Girring Girring Necklace, 2017. Photo: Simon Cardwell. Pamela Marrawaymala Barrarritja (Fish) Pendant brass and silk, Photo: Emily McCulloch Child.  Fiona Dodd, Vanessa Coulthard, Rita Norman, Lorna Dodd, 2022. Photo: courtesy of Tjanpi Desert Weavers.