Museums & Galleries of NSW is devastated to learn of the impending closure of the Australian Design Centre (ADC) after 61 years of continuous operation, following a significant reduction in state and federal funding. This closure will leave NSW as the only state or territory without a dedicated craft and design organisation.
We acknowledge the leadership of ADC CEO and Artistic Director Lisa Cahill and the work of the ADC team, whose programs have supported the careers of around 1,000 artists annually, from emerging practitioners through to senior artists. ADC has also provided access to high-quality craft and design experiences for up to 350,000 people each year, including through its extensive touring program that reaches regional galleries across NSW and nationally. The loss of ADC will have a substantial impact on regional venues nationally.
This announcement highlights a broader funding crisis across the visual arts, museums, and craft and design sectors. We call on state and federal governments to act now to prevent further closures and sustain the organisations that support creative practice and public cultural access.
