Critical Conversations 2026

CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS

Bringing together visual artists, designers and makers from across regional Lutruwita, Critical Conversations is a one-day, in-person sector gathering. It aims to build professional capacity and facilitate conversations about the challenges and opportunities of working creatively in a Tasmanian context, as well as strengthen connections between creatives working from the regions. 

Funded by Creative Australia, Critical Conversations responds to issues raised by Tasmanian artists at a sector gathering in 2025 and will give focus to the critical barriers faced by artists and makers working outside our two major cities. 

Contemporary Art Tasmania has worked with Creative Australia, Design Tasmania, Queen Victoria Museum and Gallery and Regional Arts Network Tasmania to steward this gathering.

PROGRAM

Sector Cycles and Career Pathway Mapping for Visual Arts, Craft and Design in Lutruwita (and beyond)

Facilitated by Travis Tiddy with Lola Greeno, Tom O’Hern and Kelly Austin.

The panel will discuss the vulnerabilities and strengths of the regional and remote Tasmanian context, particularly in relation to navigating professional creative. They will talk about how our context can be embraced, working with the psychological barrier of the Bass Strait and why language is important. 

Movement Practice: Arrive, Rinse, Play with Adam Wheeler from Assembly 197

A 20-minute movement session inviting participants to arrive in their present bodies, let go of the day and move together. Drawing on Tai Chi and contemporary movement practices, we’ll explore connection, curiosity and collective presence, creating space to loosen up, feel good and embrace the joy of being a little daggy.

...and more to be announced!

Funded by Creative Australia, this gathering is brought together by Contemporary Art Tasmania, Design Tasmania, Queen Victoria Museum and Gallery, Regional Arts Network Tasmania and Sawtooth ARI.

What to bring

Notepad, pen, water bottle (refill available), comfortable shoes. 

Food and meals

Lunch, all-day tea and coffee and light refreshments will be provided. Attendees will need to arrange their own breakfast and pay for their own dinner (optional, if attending the social dinner). There will be a tea and coffee station accessible across the day. Please include your dietary requirements in the RSVP form. For catering purposes, we need to receive your RSVP by 06 November 2026 if you have strict dietary requirements. 

Quiet Space

There will be a quiet space available for attendees to use throughout the day when you need a break from the discussion.

The evening 

After the event, there will be optional social drinks and dinner at DuCane – everyone is welcome to attend but will need to find their own way there. DuCane is located at 60/64 Elizabeth St, Launceston TAS 7250 and there is street parking nearby. All welcome – please indicate whether or not you intend to come for dinner in the RSVP form as we will give the venue a courtesy call.

Thanks to Creative Australia, we have a limited fund available to support travel to this event.

Carpooling is cool, and a great opportunity to have conversations with people you don't know yet (or those you do).

Cars with three people or more people, travelling more than 100km will be eligible for a one-off fuel subsidy of $100.00.

Cars with three or more people, travelling less than 100km will be eligible for a one-off fuel subsidy of $50.00.

We have created a WhatsApp group for attendees to find or offer a carpool ride to Critical Conversations. You will be asked at the checkout if you'd like to be added to this group.

If you're travelling on your own, please leave the last questions blank.

If you can't find a carpool option nearby, please email laurie@contemporaryart.org.au to discuss what support can be offered. 

Getting Here

A short walk on flat ground, less than 8 minutes from the centre of Launceston, Design Tasmania is also directly accessible by bus routes 120, 121, 130, 131 & 140 (see www.metrotas.com.au to plan your trip).

Google Maps

Parking

There is full-day parking available at The Hotel Grand Chancellor Launceston for $10.00. Please check that there are parks available before entering the carpark as you need to pay in order to exit.

More full-day parking recommendations will be added here.

Blind or have low vision

Guide Dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome in all spaces at Design Tasmania with water bowls available upon request via our friendly Front of House staff. Qualified and registered Assistance Animals are welcome at any time, but should be wearing appropriate identification such as jacket or harness.

Mobility

Wheelchair and mobility scooter street access to Design Tasmania is available via the Tamar Street entry.

Design Tasmania is a single storey building with no ramps, stairs, elevators or escalators. Access is also available throughout the retail and gallery spaces and toilet facilities.

For additional queries, requests or requirements please send an email to info@designtasmania.com.au

Sensory sensitivities

Critical Conversations will involve speaking and talking into microphones, music and crowd conversation in an indoor space. There will be a quiet space and direct access to outdoor areas throughout the day.

Design Tasmania is a quiet space that is accessible for adults and children with sensory sensitivities and/or autism. Please check current exhibition descriptions for updates to any programs which may not be considered compliant with your needs.

Restrooms

Restrooms are publicly available for our visitors, including accessible and gender neutral facilities.

Design Tasmania Opening Hours

Design Tasmania will remain open to the public during the Critical Conversations event.

Monday & Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday–Saturday: 10am–3pm

Sunday: 10am–2pm

What’s on at Design Tasmania? Visit the Design Tasmania website for current exhibitions.