DESIGN Canberra Festival Wins Commendation Award for Major Festivals + Events

Craft + Design Canberra is thrilled to announce the DESIGN Canberra Festival has won a Commendation award for Major Festivals and Events at the Canberra Region Tourism Awards.

“It is a honour and testament to the unwavering commitment of the small but dedicated team at Craft + Design Canberra to win a Commendation award in the Major Festivals and Events category for the DESIGN Canberra Festival. This recognition underscores our dedication to enhancing the soul of Canberra, our identity and brand as a creative capital and city of design said Jodie Cunningham, CEO + Artistic Director.”

The results for the 2022 festival were astounding, demonstrating the public appreciation for engaging with contemporary design and its success as a major tourism initiative for Canberra. 

470,660 people engaged with the festival in 2022 and 73,858 attendees attended our programs + gallery exhibitions.  An impressive 35% increase (to 27% of total attendance) in interstate visitors to Canberra and an estimated $12,482,400 economic impact for the city. Support was provided to artists which generated $327,443 of income and the program included more First Nations artists in than ever before.   

Jodie says “the DESIGN Canberra Festival is a big idea from a small organisation. Sharing its vision with our organisation to embed contemporary craft, making and design at the centre of everyday life in Australia’s capital, a global city of design. 

The festival is a showcase of the best of local creative enterprise, attracting local and national audiences and connecting our community through a rich program of events including symposiums, talks and tours. 

The DESIGN Canberra Festival is unlike any other festival in Australia due to the scale of the collaboration between creative business and individuals across the region and the diversity of programs combining design, craft and art fields in a multidisciplinary approach that provides a totally unique experience for visitors.” 

Craft + Design Canberra would like to extend its sincere gratitude to our loyal members, sponsors and partners, dedicated team and board members, and the esteemed judging panel of the Canberra Region Tourism Awards. This achievement wouldn't have been possible without their ongoing support and commitment.

As we celebrate this momentous occasion, Craft + Design Canberra remains steadfast in our mission to set new benchmarks in the tourism industry. We look forward to continuing to captivate and delight our audience with experiences that define Craft + Design Canberra.

Images 5 Foot Photography | 2022 DESIGN Canberra Festival