Our Story

artisan is Queensland's home of craft and design

artisan is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting contemporary craft and design practice for both makers and their audiences. artisan began its legacy in 1970 and has, for over 50 years, been the home of craft and design in Queensland.

We share, celebrate and offer advocacy for Australian practitioners with exhibitions, events, workshops, and the artisan store. artisan enriches cultural life in Queensland by harnessing creative and commercial opportunities, and collaborates with organisations, businesses and the broader community.

In keeping with artisan’s commitment to reconciliation and respect, we acknowledge the Turrabul and Yaggera People as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we gather. We pay our respect to Elders past, present and emerging, and acknowledge the unique role they play in the life of this region.

artisan receives financial assistance from its major sponsors, Arts Queensland (State Government) and the Australia Council, the Commonwealth Government’s arts funding and advisory body.

IMAGE Shannon Garson in Contemporary Clay: Objects of Desire (detail), 2016, animation still. Film by Sophia Dique.