About Us

Craft + Design Canberra is a not-for-profit membership based organisation which supports artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers. We promote and celebrate excellence and innovation in contemporary craft in everything we do – in our retail space, exhibition gallery, membership program, events and throughout our biennial festival. Read about the history of  Craft + Design Canberra. 

Email: ceo@craftanddesigncanberra.org

Jodie Cunningham is CEO and Artistic Director of Craft + Design Canberra, one of Australia’s leading creative centres for the development of visual art, craft and design. Jodie manages the overall operations and resources, acting as the main point of communication between the board of directors, staff, members, sponsors and government bodies. She is the public face of the organisation, curating a vibrant program of exhibitions, residencies and cross-disciplinary collaborations including the Craft + Design Canberra Festival.

Jodie is a highly creative arts leader, visual artist and educator with extensive experience in developing and delivering innovative exhibitions, public programs in museums, galleries and art contexts. She also has an extensive background in visual art and design education and a commitment to mentoring developing artists and fostering collaboration.Jodie advocates for the power of creativity, the arts and cultural activity to provide hope to our communities, strengthen our local and national cultural identities, and facilitate social change.

5 fun facts about Jodie:

1. Wore a hole in her carpet when she was little from drawing all the time on the floor of her room
2. Is a chromaphile - loving, living and wearing saturated colour
3. Is a bowerbird for colourful vintage objects, filling up her studio with rainbow aluminium picnic cups and makes assemblage sculptures from them
4. Loves to fly fish but rarely catches a fish
5. Can put her red lipstick on without looking in the mirror and while talking

Moraig McKenna | Assistant Director, Engagement
Email: moraig.mckenna@craftanddesigncanberra.org

Moraig McKenna has worked in public programs and visitor engagement for the last 15 years. She has lectured in ceramics at tertiary institutions including the ANU and the Australian Catholic University. She has an established career as a ceramic artist her work has been exhibited internationally including in China, Korea, USA and around Australia. She has work in the collection of The Canberra Museum and Gallery.

5 fun facts about Moraig:

1. Born in Scotland
2. Owns a cemetery
3. Won Mug of the year in 2022.
4. Loves Asian ceramics
5. All her clothes are olive green.

 

Ella Myer | Retail and Digital Content Officer
Email: shop@craftanddesigncanberra.org

1. Is a raging hobby collector.
2. Born and raised in London.
3. Plays lots and lots of field hockey.
4. Has been learning Mandarin since she was 11.
5. An emerging artist practicing in ceramics and textiles.

 

Waratah Lahy is an artist known for her ability to capture the beauty and humour of everyday moments through painting and drawing. Her work is inspired by observations of daily life and regularly feature scenes from her neighbourhood as well as other urban scenes and landscapes. Waratah is represented by Beaver Galleries, Canberra. Waratah has worked as a casual lecturer in painting and drawing at the Australian National University School of Art & Design for over 15 years. She also works as the Gallery Manager for the Mixing Room Gallery at Thor’s Hammer, curating and organising exhibitions with an environment focus.

5 fun facts about Waratah

1. Collects colourful dresses and plastic brooches
2. Finally got her driving license after being on her Ls for 20+ years
3. Is a practicing artist
4. Has a Doctor of Philosophy of Visual Arts
5. Loves reading and always has a book (or 3) on the go.

 

Caitlin Seymour-King | Marketing Officer

Email: caitlin.seymour-king@craftanddesigncanberra.org.au

Caitlin Seymour-King has studied the creative arts but considers herself a problem solver with flair. Caitlin holds a Bachelor Degree in Interior and Spatial Design from the University of Technology Sydney, and an almost-completed Masters in Visual Arts at the Australian National University. Caitlin is interested in feminist environments that respond to the human body, whilst critiquing the social conditions that constrain them. 

5 fun facts about Caitlin:

1. Can speak Italian - un poco.
2. Rides a Vespa.
3. DIY Queen.
4. Can make sculptures, craft ceramics, smith metals, photograph things, draw stuff, paint bits.
5. Loves to glamp.

 

Saori Brooks | Membership Officer

Email: saori.brooks@craftanddesigncanberra.org

Saori has been involved in the arts sector since she began as a gallery assistant at M16 Artspace in 2023. She studied a master's degree in Art History and Curatorial Studies at the ANU. Originally from Japan, Saori relocated to Australia in early 2022. 5 fun facts about Saori:

1. Loves vintage op shopping
2. Is obsessed with cat motif objects.
3. Collects woodblock prints, fridge magnets, and CDs.
4. Born in Iwate Japan and worked in Tokyo for 8 years.
5. Holds an 8-dan qualification in Japanese calligraphy.

 

Images Tim Bean Photography and 5 Foot Photography