2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival prepares for launch Thursday 31 October
Regenerate is the theme for this year’s Craft + Design Canberra Festival.
The program of events will run from November 1 to 10 and a series of exhibitions will be held across Canberra for the month of November.
Now in its 10th year, the Festival celebrates the work of 500 local, national, and international artists, craftspeople and designers. It connects Canberra with creative minds who champion design thinking, collaboration and the power of handmade craftsmanship to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges—offering a hopeful vision for the future.
‘The 2024 Festival showcases the incredible capacity of design thinking and supporting local creative enterprise to solve the big problems of our time,’ Craft + Design Canberra CEO and Artistic Director, Jodie Cunningham says', ‘We must focus our efforts on reversing the devastating impacts of climate change. It is no longer enough to be sustainable; we must innovate to regenerate environments, relationships and communities.’
A major highlight of the 2024 Festival is the Urban Biome, a modular art installation in Civic Square, on display exclusively during the event. This installation showcases how regenerative design, material reuse and the integration of native plants can transform and enrich public spaces.
Urban Biome is a collaborative work created by Thor Diesendorf from Thor’s Hammer, glass artist Spike Deane from the Canberra Glassworks and horticulturalist David Taylor from Ephemeral Country. The Urban Biome is supported by City Renewal Authority and Yarralumla Nursery.
Saturday 2 November is an opportunity to buy unique and handmade objects directly from Canberra's best makers at the 2024 Design Market and participate in drop-in family workshops, enjoy local food and see the amazing Urban Biome Installation. City Renewal Authority has again partnered to deliver this event.
Discover Canberra’s award-winning architecture, iconic landmarks, and hidden gems with our exclusive Architecture Tour Program. Explore regenerative sustainable design and historic innovations that have shaped our city, offering a rare behind-the-scenes experience. Presented in partnership with the Australian Institute of Architects and Canberra Modern, this program celebrates Canberra as a global design city.
The 2024 festival is all about unleashing your creativity and nourishing your wellbeing, where hands-on workshops, immersive tours and inspiring exhibitions invite you to reconnect with yourself, your community, and the environment. Embrace the power of regenerative design as you learn new skills with local makers and experience the transformative joy of making by hand. Each event offers a chance to revitalise your mind and spirit, while fostering meaningful connections and a renewed sense of purpose. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of the 2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival, celebrating creativity, sustainability, and personal renewal.
WHAT: 2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
VIP LAUNCH EVENT: Thursday 31 October, 6pm Civic Square (invitation only)
WHEN: 1-10 November 2024
WHERE : Festival Hub and Urban Biome Installation, Civic Square, Canberra, Events + Venues across the ACT.
FURTHER INFORMATION: www.craftanddesigncanberrafestival.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jodie Cunningham
CEO + Artistic Director, Craft + Design Canberra
Jodie.cunningham@craftanddesigncanberra.org | 0438157940