DESIGN CANBERRA
9–29 NOVEMBER 2020
Submit your proposals for Open Studios by 3 April 2020.
From 9-29 November 2020, DESIGN Canberra will transform the nation’s capital, hosting over 200 events. Now in its 7th year, DESIGN Canberra increases its reach and engagement each year, linking makers and designers with new audiences and forging unexpected collaborations and marketplace connections. DESIGN Canberra is the major outreach activity of Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre, a not-for-profit membership-based organisation which supports artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers.
Call for Expressions of Interest to Participate – Open Studios
Open Studios have been a feature of DESIGN Canberra since the 2014 festival. An Open Studio is a unique opportunity for the general public to engage directly with artists and designers, to learn about, and hopefully to purchase their work. Collectively, the program also makes an invaluable contribution to DESIGN Canberra’s efforts to create a culture that values craft artists and designers and the work they produce. As we work hard to attract new and more diverse audiences for design, Open Studios are a revealing part of the festival’s offering and one of the main ways we aim to give benefit back to Craft ACT members.
In 2020 we will be running Open Studios across each Saturday of the festival – 14, 21 and 28 November from 10am – 4pm.
We encourage studio artists to create an experience for visitors while being authentic to your craft. Each year we are impressed with the diversity of studio events, from hosting workshops, scheduling live demonstrations, collaborating with other makers, to creating an atmospheric day with music, food and retail. Last year over 5,300 people attended Open Studios over two days. Open Studios are a fantastic way to build your creative community and the more inviting the experience, the better.
Prior to the festival, Craft ACT will run a professional development workshop for members in hosting a successful open studio. Details will be released closer to the date.
Who can hold an Open Studio?
All Open Studios nominated by Craft ACT members will be accepted. Open Studio events nominated by non-members will be included by selection by Craft ACT and that selection will be final. Past experience has shown that people are more interested in studios of makers than professional environments such as architecture offices, however, we welcome nominations from all different types of studios.
Participation fee
Hosting an Open Studio in DESIGN Canberra is free to members of Craft ACT.
For non-members, if your proposal is accepted, you will be asked to pay a Participation Fee, of $110, when you provide your final information. Become a member of Craft ACT – membership starts from $66.
Click here for more information or to submit your proposal to be part of Open Studios 2020.
The call out deadline is 3 April 2020.
Get in touch with Design Canberra for more information.