Craft + Design Canberra is here to help you meet some of the city’s most talented designers – and it’s happening this weekend

Posted on 27 October, 2023

Ever wanted to go behind the scenes of Canberra’s dynamic art organisations? This weekend, you can.

Canberra might not be well known for its vibrant community arts sector, but one organisation has gone above and beyond for over 52 years to prove that the capital is more than creative – it’s actually damn talented.

Craft + Design Canberra has always championed the need for a secure future for the creative and essential craftspeople, designers, and audiences that call Canberra home, and to assist in achieving this goal, it’s bringing back one of its most beloved events to help art lovers get up and close with makers and creators.

Running from 10 am on Saturday 28 October (that’s right – tomorrow) and ending at 4 pm on Sunday 29 October, Craft + Design Canberra Open Studios are once again taking place all over Canberra.

Offering a unique opportunity for the public to engage directly with local artists, craftspeople, and designers in their private studios, it’s a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of Canberra’s dynamic (and beloved) art scene.

By attending an Open Studio, you’ll not only gain insight into the creative process of each artist while engaging directly with them, but you’ll also be able to purchase work from them – so you know that your hard-earned money is going directly to the maker. And with artworks ranging from glass to ceramics, wood, mixed media, textiles, and more, there will be plenty to see across the weekend.

In the North, Annie Trevillian, Julie Ryder, Josephine Townsend, and Sally Black are just some of the artists opening their doors, while in the South and East of Canberra, Alice van Meurs of EDITION label, contemporary jeweller Phoebe Porter and First Nations artist Kayannie Denigan are coming together for the ultimate collaboration (along with many other artists).

In other exciting news, as well as Open Studios, Craft + Design Canberra is also hosting Open Days across the city, providing the opportunity to explore local hubs for artistic expression. M16 Artspace, PhotoAccess, Canberra Glassworks, Thor’s Hammer, Canberra Spinners and Weavers, Megalo Print Studio, and Canberra Contemporary Art Space will each be hosting workshops, engaging exhibitions, and much more.

See the full schedule of Open Studios and Open Days here and get ready to celebrate Canberra’s creative culture.

Feature image: 5Foot Photography.