We are a nation of makers.
Australia's craft and design sector is skilled, diverse, recognised internationally, and reaches all corners of our country. The next National Cultural Policy should invest in craft and design as essential, and distinct, national creative infrastructure.
The Australian Government is developing a new National Cultural Policy. The Australian Craft and Design Centres (ACDC) network, organisations supporting designers and makers across Australia, has made a submission setting out what the sector needs.
As artificial intelligence reshapes the creative world, the authentic and the handmade become more valuable, not less. This is a moment of opportunity for investment into Australian designers and craftspeople, if the policy framework rises to meet it.
What we are asking for
Our submission focuses on three specific requests, aligned with key pillars of the National Cultural Policy.
Ask 1 / Pillar 3: The Centrality of the Artist
A 10-year workforce plan for craft and design
Across Australia, specialist training pathways have been cut and the shortage of skilled craftspeople and designers is documented and worsening. We are asking the government to build on the Creative Workplaces initiative with a long-term plan that addresses skills, training, and career pathways for designers and makers at every stage of their careers, keeps money in Australian communities and builds the market for design-led manufacture.
Ask 2 / Pillar 4: Strong Cultural Infrastructure
A dedicated craft and design structure within Creative Australia
Craft and design needs dedicated representation inside Creative Australia. Not a new standalone body, but structured internal capacity with its own mandate to advocate for the sector, develop funding pathways, and coordinate across government portfolios, backed by investment to secure the future of designers and makers, regional practice, and craft and design innovation across the country.
Ask 3 / Pillar 5: Engaging the Audience
An export and tourism development strategy
The uniqueness of Australian craft and design has been undervalued, and there is significant unrealised potential in international markets. Australian designers and makers are already being recognised internationally. We are asking for an export and tourism development strategy that gets them in front of global audiences, including at showcase events like Milan Design Week.
The ACDC network
This submission was made by the Australian Craft and Design Centres (ACDC) network, organisations across Australia dedicated to supporting professional craft and design practice.