New Craft & Design Partnership: Artisan X State Library of Queensland

State Library of Queensland will become the creative hub for Queensland’s craft and design community through an exciting new cultural partnership with artisan, the state’s peak body for craft and design.

Artisan will now be headquartered at State Library, collaborating across Queensland to further support emerging, developing and established talent.

The partnership brings together the strengths of one of the state’s most influential cultural institutions and a leading contemporary craft organisation, unlocking new opportunities for collaboration, professional development and sector-wide impact.

The partnership will deliver:

• Dynamic public programs: artisan will conduct seminars, masterclasses, talks and workshops at State Library, creating new opportunities for learning, exchange and creative development.
• Statewide collaboration: artisan will collaborate with regional partners to present exhibitions, residencies, markets and pop-ups, alongside professional development initiatives and career opportunities for makers across Queensland.
• National sector leadership: artisan will host craft and design practitioners and leaders from across Australia for a cross-sector symposium, MADE2026, at State Library in September.
• A curated retail showcase: artisan will establish a curated presence in the Library Shop, showcasing outstanding Queensland contemporary craft and design to local, national and international visitors.

As a cultural social enterprise, artisan champions Queensland craft and design talent to national and international prominence while building sustainable career pathways for practitioners. The partnership provides a powerful platform for the state’s makers to share their creativity at the heart of the Queensland Cultural Centre.

More than 1.6 million people visit State Library each year to learn, create, connect and be inspired. Through this partnership, artisan joins the diverse community of makers, designers, artists, technologists, writers and other creatives who collaborate and share knowledge at State Library.

The collaboration also leverages State Library’s partnership with Queensland’s public library network to extend craft engagement to more than 325 communities.

State Library of Queensland and artisan are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.

“This collaboration between artisan and State Library of Queensland will support and showcase the work of makers across the state, enhance their careers and increase their access to new audiences and markets,” says John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts.

“The Crisafulli Government is providing artisan funding of more than $1 million over the next 4 years to support its operations and programs, back the growth of new product development and strengthen supply chains for arts and crafts practitioners in Queensland.

“As we look to the opportunities of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this new partnership will support artists and makers to connect with new and wider markets and delivers on our 10-year arts strategy, Queensland’s Time to Shine.”

State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald AM added, “We are thrilled to welcome artisan to State Library. Just as makers tell a story through design, State Library tells the stories of Queensland through our extensive collections and cultural experiences.

“State Library is known for our statewide focus on digital innovation and inclusion. We are equally committed to handcrafted creativity and design, which are central to our programs. They foster wellbeing and provide motivation for communities to come together to share knowledge, skills and stories.”

More information: slq.qld.gov.au