Artists and Arts Organisations invited to shape the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
Image | Urban Biome created as part of the 2024 Craft + Design Canberra Festival. Created by Craft + Design Canberra, Thor Diesendorf of Thors Hammer, glass artist Spike Deane and horticulturalist David Taylor from Ephemeral Country | Photography by 5 Foot Photography
Artists and Arts Organisations invited to shape the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
Expressions of interest now open for programs exploring the Festival theme of Dissent.
Craft + Design Canberra is calling on artists, makers, craftspeople, designers, architects, innovators and arts organisations across the region to submit an expression of interest to be part of the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival.
The 2026 Festival, to be held from 5 to 15 November 2026, invites participants to respond to the theme Dissent. This theme calls for creativity as a powerful act of questioning and reshaping norms. It seeks artists and organisations who are ready to explore bold ideas and foster critical dialogue.
The Craft + Design Canberra Festival celebrates Canberra as a creative capital and global city of design. It offers makers, designers and innovators the chance to create experimental work, connect with community and generate income. For visitors it is a unique opportunity to experience the best in contemporary craft and design through inclusive and immersive events.
The Festival has grown since its inception in 2014 to become one of Canberra’s most significant cultural events. In 2024 the program presented 117 exhibitions and events that attracted an audience of more than 141,772 people, resulting in an economic impact of over 16 million dollars to the city as well as improving community wellbeing though harnessing creativity.
Opportunity to be part of the 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
Artists and arts organisations are invited to propose exhibitions, workshops, symposiums, talks, tours, markets, open studios and events.
Craft + Design Canberra encourages all interested artists and organisations to read the submission guide and complete the expression of interest form before the deadline, 3 December 2025.
Attend the Online Information Session
An online information session will also be run 6pm – 7pm Wednesday 22 October 2025 to answer questions about the Festival.
Please RSVP by clicking here Information Session 2026 Craft + Design Canberra Festival
Application Dates
- Applications opened for Cross Promoted programs on 4 September 2025. Cross Promoted programs are independently funded exhibitions, talks, tours, performances or events that align with the Festival theme of Dissent and celebrate Canberra as a global city of design.
- Applications open on 1 October 2025 for maker led programs and artist opportunities including workshops, Open Studios and Arts Organisations, the Undercurrent Design Market and public art commissions.
- All applications close 3 December 2025.
For more information and to submit your expression of interest and application, visit craftanddesigncanberra.org and visit the Opportunities Page, or view the Submission Guide here.