Craft's Global Resurgence Contrasts with Australia's Fragile Sector

During a panel discussion at the National Gallery Singapore, held in conjunction with the 2026 Loewe Foundation Craft Prize exhibition, experts asserted that craft represents a forward-thinking approach that can provide an alternative framework for innovation in a world dominated by AI. The discussion featured Sheila Loewe, President of the Loewe Foundation, architect Frida Escobedo, and curator Anatxu Zabalbeascoa. They highlighted that the essence of craft lies in qualities such as attention, patience, imagination, and embodied knowledge—attributes that machines cannot emulate. Established in 2016, the prize receives approximately 5,000 submissions each year. In Australia, the craft sector is in turmoil, with the Australian Design Centre closing due to funding cuts, while Artisan and Sturt Gallery underwent restructuring. Notably, Australian entries for the Loewe Prize reached an all-time high in 2026, prompting the panel to call for sustained institutional support for craft in Australia.