ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

artisan Launches MADE 2026 Symposium to Shape Australia's Craft and Design Future

festival-fair · 2026-08-12

Australia's contemporary craft and design sector is set to convene at a new national forum, MADE 2026, organized by artisan. The symposium will take place on Thursday, 10 September, at artisan's new home within the State Library of Queensland. Designed as a state-of-the-nation gathering, MADE 2026 aims to bring together industry leaders, practitioners, curators, educators, and students to identify priorities, partnerships, and actions for strengthening the sector over the next decade. The initiative responds to a period of profound change for the sector, as institutions and makers navigate evolving cultural and economic landscapes. artisan, an organization dedicated to supporting Australian makers, positions the symposium as a dedicated forum to chart the future of contemporary craft and design. The event underscores the significant role makers have played in shaping the nation's cultural identity. By focusing on collaborative dialogue and strategic planning, MADE 2026 seeks to elevate the maker community and ensure its continued vitality. The symposium's timing is notable, coinciding with broader shifts in the sector. Further details about the program and participants are expected to be announced closer to the event date.

Key facts

  • MADE 2026 is a new symposium launched by artisan.
  • The symposium will be held on Thursday, 10 September.
  • The venue is artisan's new home within the State Library of Queensland.
  • It is conceived as a state-of-the-nation gathering for the maker sector.
  • The forum targets industry leaders, practitioners, curators, educators, and students.
  • The goal is to identify priorities, partnerships, and actions for the decade ahead.
  • Australia's contemporary craft and design sector is experiencing profound change.
  • artisan aims to elevate makers and shape the future of contemporary craft and design.

Entities

Institutions

  • artisan
  • State Library of Queensland

Locations

  • Australia
  • Queensland

Sources