2026 CRAFT + DESIGN CANBERRA EMERGING CONTEMPORARIES ANNOUNCES | Celebrating the Next Generation of Designers and Makers

Craft + Design Canberra is proud to present the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Emerging Contemporaries exhibition, a prestigious annual award exhibition celebrating the creativity, skill and innovation of emerging designers and makers. Opening on Thursday 12 February 2026, the exhibition will be on view at Craft + Design Canberra until Saturday 28 March 2026. 

Emerging Contemporaries showcases outstanding graduating and early career artists. The exhibition highlights the diversity of contemporary craft and design practices and provides a vital platform for artists at a pivotal stage in their professional journeys. 

The 2026 exhibition features artists from leading local institutions, including the Australian National University School of Art and Design, the Canberra Institute of Technology, the University of Canberra and Canberra Potters Society. 

Participating artists and Craft + Design Canberra Emerging Contemporary Award Winners are as follows. 

Australian National University 
Giselle Bailie Anderson 
Nina Casey-Brown 
Jake Haynes 
Liv Kidston 
Isaas Kozlovskis 
Zali Odlum 
Lisa Stevenson 
Design Project Mulloon Institute 

Canberra Institute of Technology 
Eliott June O’Dowd 
Rosalie Ryan 

University of Canberra 
Campbell Miller 
Paloma Padovan 
Luc Puchert 

Canberra Potters Society 
Sarah Brown 
Tessa Hoser 
Jenn Morton 
Ingrid McGrouther 

Recipients of a Craft + Design Canberra Emerging Contemporaries Awards receive inclusion in the 2026 Emerging Contemporaries exhibition, along with a complimentary one year maker membership with Craft + Design Canberra.  

The award recognises exceptional graduating work and supports emerging artists as they transition into professional creative practice. 

More than a showcase, Emerging Contemporaries plays a vital role in nurturing early career practitioners, offering visibility, professional support and connection to Canberra’s creative community. The exhibition reflects Craft + Design Canberra’s ongoing commitment to championing contemporary craft and design and supporting the next generation of makers. 

The exhibition opens on Thursday 12 February 2026, with Artist Talks commencing at 5:30pm, followed by the Opening from 6:00pm and Official Speeches from 6:30pm.Craft + Design Canberra invites audiences to join us in celebrating the creativity, ambition and potential of these exceptional emerging artists who represent the vibrant future of contemporary craft and design. 

EXHIBITION DETAILS 
Exhibition | 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Emerging Contemporaries 
Dates | 12 February to 28 March 2026 
Location | Craft + Design Canberra, North Building, 1, 180 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601 
Opening | From 5:30pm Thursday 12 February 2026. RSVP by clicking here.