Sponsors rally to show support for DESIGN Canberra, the ACT’s fastest growing festival

As DESIGN Canberra prepares for its seventh year of more than 200 events, exhibitions, activations, tours and talks, the festival announced it has received record support from sponsors across industry, retail, education, hospitality, property and government.

In a welcome show of support, Craft ACT (presenters of DESIGN Canberra) were delighted to receive news from the ACT Government that they would support the festival with an additional $50,000 in 2020 and 2021 from the City Renewal Authority to support city-based programming. The ACT Government recognises that a strong local arts industry is a vital component of Canberra’s cultural life, international reputation and economy. This commitment shows how, while underpinned by the arts and artists, cultural activity can extend far more broadly and produce significant social and economic impacts.

‘It is truly heart-warming that even in such challenging times, the ACT Government, together with so many leading businesses across sectors, have stepped up to support the work of designers and makers and to celebrate and promote Canberra as a global city of design. ‘We are very lucky with the time of year we run in (November) and a keen desire from our community and sponsors to continue. People seem to want something positive to look forward to – and so do we!’ said Rachael Coghlan, CEO and Artistic Director of Craft ACT and the DESIGN Canberra festival.

DESIGN Canberra Platinum Partners for 2020 are a diverse mix of returning and new sponsors. Returning in 2020 are: Rolfe Classic BMW, who have been a key partner of DESIGN Canberra since its inception; the real estate agency with a difference, home.by holly; and the University of Canberra, who have been teaching and guiding the nation’s designers of tomorrow. New Platinum Partners in 2020 include: the Suburban Land Agency, encouraging and promoting inclusive communities through the delivery of people-focussed neighbourhoods; and Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC, the institution responsible for the coordination and management of the Controlled Designation of Origin for Prosecco. Platinum partners are leaders in design and valued collaborators in the innovative and experimental programs the festival curates. Together, they support the festival to make signature and world-class design programs, including the popular open studios program and pop-up exhibitions, design installations and visits by national design leaders.

Midnight Hotel will return as the festival’s hotel partner. Midnight Hotel has been designed by world-renowned Fender Katsalidis Architects and Oculus Urban Design and is part of Marriott International’s acclaimed Autograph Collection’s portfolio of hotels crafted with vision and passion. DESIGN Canberra’s exclusive hotel partner, Midnight Hotel will welcome DESIGN Canberra VIPs and audiences throughout the festival.

Gold Partners in 2020 include the award winning, Canberra Centre, for a fourth year of their valued support and new partner, The Alastair Swayn Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation, established in 2016 by the late Alastair Swayn AO to advance Australia design and architectural culture and education.

Media partners supporting the festival in 2020 are HerCanberra (Canberra’s hugely successful online network, digital community, website and magazine) and Dezeen (the world’s most popular and influential architecture and design magazine).

Valued Silver sponsors in 2020 include: the National Capital Authority, which builds understanding and appreciation of the role of Canberra as the National Capital; Canberra-based creative studio and print shop, Rojo Customs; home of the iconic Shine Dome, The Australian Academy of Science; and the Embassy of Italy in Canberra. Beverage partners Lake George Winery and Capital Brewing Co will once again generously support festival events and hospitality, alongside platinum partner Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC.

DESIGN Canberra was a big idea from a small organisation, Craft ACT: Craft + Design Centre. First presented in 2014 (when it attracted 24,000 people), DESIGN Canberra has grown to embrace a regional and global focus, becoming a critical and collaborative forum for contemporary, relevant, experimental and authentic design.

“Together with our festival partners, we organise and help curate multiple events such as exhibitions, tours and talks with numerous individuals and organisations. Our experienced creative team has a passion for collaborating with like-minded organisations, facilitating ideas, connecting artists and bringing the right audiences to experience them,” said Rachael Coghlan.

In addition to sponsors and partners, the 2020 DESIGN Canberra festival will benefit from a new network of supporters from across the arts and design community. The fast-growing DESIGN Canberra festival platform can now be shared with a creative and local community including: Ainslie + Gorman Arts Centres, Australian Academy of the Humanities, Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Graphic Design Association (AGDA), Australian Museums and Galleries Association Inc, Australian National Capital Artists (ANCA), Belconnen Arts Centre, Canberra Contemporary Art Space (CCAS), Canberra Potters, Canberra Spinners and Weavers, Elevate Running and Fitness, Ikuntji Artists, M16 Artspace, Megalo Print Studio, PhotoAccess, Radford College, Strathnairn Arts, Tuggeranong Arts Centre and the Australian Craft and Design Centres (ACDC) including, Artisan, Australian Design Centre, Canberra Glassworks, Central Craft, Craft Victoria, Design Tasmania, Guildhouse, JamFactory and Sturt School for Wood