Canberra’s reputation as a creative and design capital continues to evolve with its upcoming Craft + Design Canberra Festival this November.

Over ten days, more than 500 artists, makers, designers and creative thinkers will come together to showcase their work to festival-goers, with over 130 events held throughout the city.

Following the theme of ‘Dissent’, the festival explores the powerful ways craft, design and creative practice can question what exists, while challenging convention and proposing alternate ways forward. Works and discussions will strongly engage with environmental and social impacts, sustainability, accessibility, and Canberra’s future.

The festival formally launches in Canberra’s Civic Square before celebrating the opening of four exhibitions in the Craft + Design Canberra Gallery, including major public art commissions in NEST | Design for the Displaced Future; EMERGENCY | Signal, Repair, Adapt, an exhibition exploring making in a time of disruption; Small Rituals by Senden Blackwood; and the National Robert Foster Metal Prize artists.

Other festival highlights are performances, public artwork, talks, symposiums, tours, workshops and open studios where visitors can step inside the work spaces of some of the city’s best creatives.

Perhaps the most anticipated event is the Undercurrent Design Market with 54 stallholders offering handmade products, including glass and jewellery by First Nations maker Kemarre Arts and small batch metal objects by Ferro Forma.

Another program favourite is the Canberra Open Homes by the Australian Institute of Architecture (ACT Chapter). See Canberra’s award-winning architecture and discover how local and national architects challenge the conventional shape of Canberra’s designs.

For those wanting to think critically and hear from leading voices across craft, design, art, performance and dance, the Dissent by Design symposium explores how creativity can be used as a tool for change. Following an afternoon of talks and conversation, the symposium will close with the world premiere of a new dance film by Tamzin Nugent.

Whether you’re a design lover, artist, maker, or just want to experience some local talent, don’t miss the chance to visit this celebration of design in Canberra!

See the full festival program of 130+ events running from November 5 to 15.