Nil Desperandum Homestead open day
Talking water: artists-in-residence
Saturday 2 June 2012

Pick up: 9.30am. Access to Nil Desperandum Homestead is only by the courtesy bus from Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre. Pick up will be at 9.30am and drop off at 1pm. There is no private transport access.
Drop off: 1.00pm
Where: Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre, off Paddy's River Road, via Cotter Road (Weston Creek) or Point Hut Crossing (Gordon)

Join artist Marian Hosking and a Ranger of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve to explore the residency project, talk to the artist and find out more about Nil Desperandum Homestead.

Please note: This open day will continue weather permitting.

Bookings are essential as there are limited seats on the bus.
Please contact Amy Kerr-Menz, Communication and Event Manager, Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre, 02 6262 9333 or email amy.kerr@craftact.org.au.

2012 Designing a Capital: Crafting a City

When: June 2012 (dates to be confirmed)

In the years leading up to the centenary of Canberra, Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre presents Designing a Capital: Crafting a City, an annual program of exhibitions and events designed to probe and explore the role of craft and design in crafting our nation's capital. The focus for the program in 2012 is Talking water: artists-in-residence and will deliver an artist-in-residence program and a public forum that promotes and showcases Canberra's distinct natural and cultural landscape.

In 1908 the Yass-Canberra area was selected for the nation's capital as it best filled the requirements with regard to adequate water supply, climate and landform suitable for the building of a 'garden city'. Artists in residence at Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage and Bendora Dam Hut in Namadgi National Park, and at Nil Desperandum Homestead in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve will respond to the theme Talking water to amplify Canberra's unique natural and cultural environment and the significant value of these historic cottages to the Canberra community.

Artists selected for artist-in-residence program

Four artists have been selected for the Talking water: artists-in-residence program offered in historic locations within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park.

The Talking water: artists-in-residence program, a partnership between Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre and ACT Parks and Conservation, offers artists the opportunity to live and work in either Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage or Nil Desperandum Homestead.

Selected local artists and Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre members selected for the residencies are printmaker Antonia Aitken, glass artist Christine Atkins, and ceramic artist Marily Cintra. Melbournian jeweller Marian Hosking was awarded the placement open to national artists.

Download the Talking water media release

Exhibition opening
Thursday 24 May 2012

When: 6.00pm
Where: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

You and your guests are invited to join Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre for the official opening of Embracing Innovation Volume 2, alphabet and Sanctum - Inga Svendsen at 6.00pm Thursday 24 May 2012.

» See upcoming exhibitions for more information.

The Art of Poetry reading
Thursday 5 July

When: 4.30pm
Where: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre and Canberra Museum and Gallery

Artists create a window on the world that writers can climb through.

A poetry reading evening will be hosted by Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre and Canberra Museum and Gallery. A selection of the 'ekphrastic' poetry - poetry inspired by visual art forms - created during The Art of Poetry workshop will be read at this event.

Australian Poetry Ltd is supported by artsACT.

Exhibition opening
Thursday 19 July 2012

When: 6.00pm
Where: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

You and your guests are invited to join Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre for the official opening of Signature, Foodjects Design and the New Cuisine in Spain and Canberra Bells and Ginninderra Peppercress - Cathy Franzi at 6.00pm Thursday 19 July 2012.

» See upcoming exhibitions for more information.

Exhibition opening
Thursday 6 September 2012

When: 6.00pm
Where: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

You and your guests are invited to join Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre for the official opening of Urban Forest - Dianne Firth, Landscapes and Place - Anne O'Callaghan, E.J. Lightman, Penelope Stewart, Jeannie Thib, Bev Hogg, Trish Roan and Canberra Potters' Society Award Exhibition - Moraig McKenna at 6.00pm Thursday 6 September 2012.

» See upcoming exhibitions for more information.

Exhibition opening
Thursday 1 November 2012

When: 6.00pm
Where: Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre

You and your guests are invited to join Craft ACT: Craft and Design Centre for the official opening of Domestic Renewal, curated by Rohan Nichol; a solo exhibition by Accredited Professional Member Margaret Brown; and the annual Retail Award exhibition at 6.00pm Thursday 1 November 2012.

» See upcoming exhibitions for more information.

Craft ACT Shop

Take a sneak peek at some of the exquisite items available in the Craft ACT Shop. Whether you are looking for a special birthday gift, a farewell present, a housewarming treat or just something to say 'I love you' - you'll find a delightful array of hand-crafted products in store which are perfect for the occasion.

Did you know that the Craft ACT Shop has gift cards? Perfect for those instances when you're uncertain - let them choose! We're thrilled to announce that you can now purchase gift cards online. And we will post them, free of charge, to you or a friend.