AXED: Australian Design Centre resolves to close EOFY unless funding restored
The Australian Design Centre (ADC) Board has resolved to cease operations by 30 June 2026 unless alternative funding is found before that time. With the Federal Government (through Creative Australia) and the State Government (through Create NSW) discontinuing adequate core operational funding from 2025/6, the ADC Board determined it would not be viable financially for the organisation to continue to trade/operate beyond 30 June 2026.
Create NSW has recently awarded ADC $150,000 per year for the next two years; this is $350,000 short of the minimum $500,000 amount that ADC needs to continue operating. This means that from 2026 ADC will no longer have the minimum $500,000 in base level funding needed to support annual operations.
ADC advises that this decision means:
• ADC opportunities created for close to 1000 artists annually will no longer be available.
• Up to 350,000 people who visit an ADC exhibition annually will no longer have this opportunity to engage with craft and design practice.
• Object Shop, which sells high-quality hand-made products by more than Australian 100 artists and makers, will cease trading at the end of March 2026.
• ADC On Tour exhibitions travelling to regional venues around Australia will continue as scheduled with any future changes announced before June 2026.
• The future of the 10th Sydney Craft Week Festival will be determined before applications open in April 2026
Elizabeth Espinosa, Chair ADC Board, said, "The Australian Design Centre's committed volunteer Board has considered all other options and is deeply saddened to have been forced to make this decision. Australian Design Centre has supported the work of thousands of artists over its 61-year history as an independent not for profit organisation. The reality is that, without core operational support to pay staff and cover administrative costs, we have no other choice but to cease operations by 30 June. "This means that NSW will be the only state or territory in Australia without an organisation dedicated to craft and design practice."
The ADC Board is made up of volunteers covering various professional backgrounds and includes the CEO as Executive Director. A minimum of $350,000 per annum for the next two years is needed from government, corporate or private sources for ADC to continue operating in 2026 and 2027.
Image: Amy Piddingon