WORKSHOP | Creative Maker Business Skills | Lea Durie

Event | WORKSHOP | Creative Maker Business Skills | Lea Durie

Date + Time

Session 1 | Wednesday 5 August 2026 | 5.30pm-8pm 

Session 2 | Wednesday 12 August 2026 | 5.30pm-8pm

Session 3 | Wednesday 19 August 2026 | 5.30pm-8pm

Location | North Building, 1, 180 London Cct, Canberra ACT 2601 

Cost | General Admission $150 per session | Craft + Design Canberra Member Ticket $ 120 per session

General  Admission (All sessions) $350 ($117 per session) | Craft + Design Canberra Member Ticket (All sessions) $280 ($94 per session)

Are you a creative practitioner ready to take your business idea further? Do you want to build a sustainable creative practice?

Whether you are just starting out, growing an existing maker business or looking to refine the foundations of your creative career, this program will help you build confidence and clarity in your next steps.

Over three evenings, artist Lea Durie will guide participants through key aspects of building and sustaining a creative business, from developing your business strategy and understanding your finances, through to marketing your work and building your professional profile. Participants will gain practical tools, industry knowledge and insights tailored to creative practitioners and makers.

Feel like you already have some of the groundwork in place? Participants are welcome to curate their learning by attending individual sessions to build specific knowledge and skills.

As part of the course, participants will have the opportunity to showcase and sell one product in the Craft + Design Canberra Shop throughout December 2026.

Session 1 – Building your Creative Business

• Developing a business strategy that works for you

• Understanding your audience, values and creative goals

Session 2 – Money, Sales and Sustainability

• Understanding finances and income streams for makers

• Exploring opportunities for selling and presenting your work

• Legal, logistical and practical business considerations

Session 3 – Marketing your Creative Practice

• Building a strong visual identity and professional profile

• Marketing your work through website, social media and storytelling

• Wellbeing and sustainability in creative practice

What you will be doing 

• Build skills for developing a sustainable creative business

• Explore marketing, sales and professional practice strategies

• Gain confidence in the business side of creative work

What you will need to bring 

• All materials are provided 

This workshop is best suited for 

• Ages 16 years and over

• Makers and creative practitioners at any stage of their career or business journey

About the artist 

Ceramic artist Lea Durie has built a successful maker business and arts practice, firstly as a side hustle and then as a full-time career. Before that Lea was in a leadership role in government mentoring others to build careers that worked for them. Lea loves the business side of making and is now bringing these skills together to help others build successful maker businesses.

Accessibility at the Venue 

• We aim to make our programs accessible to everyone. We welcome people of all abilities, ages, backgrounds and identities.

• Craft + Design Canberra is accessible via lift access at the building entrance with step free access throughout our Gallery and Workshop spaces.

• An accessible, all gender bathroom is available via a heavy fire door.

• Assistance animals are welcome throughout the venue.

• Seating is provided at all events and workshops and free tickets are available for Companion Card holders.

• Please note our Shop pace is currently restricted and does not permit a full 1500mm x 1500m turning circle though pathways can accommodate a wheelchair or mobility aid.

• If you have any question or access requirements or would like support to participate, please contact us on (02) 6262 9333 or programs@craftanddesigncanberra.org.

• Read more about accessibility and planning your visit: https://craftanddesigncanberra.org/pages/accessibility

Support Artists and Learn from the Best  

Craft + Design Canberra workshops provide an opportunity for audiences to learn from the unique skillsets of our members: individuals who are highly regarded in their fields as artists, designers, and craftspeople.  

Craft + Design Canberra prides itself on paying fair rates of pay to our artists as recommended by NAVA (the National Association for the Visual Artists). Our artists are the best in their fields and deserve fair remuneration. Audiences attending our activities learn from the best.  

Craft + Design Canberra is a not-for-profit membership-based organisation supporting artists, craft practitioners, designers and makers at every stage of their careers. Craft + Design Canberra workshops are designed to create opportunities for our members to showcase their skills, engage with community and earn incomes.  

Find our full program here. 

Cancellation Policy 

• 15 days prior: Customers are entitled to a full refund on request.

• Less than 14 days: Customers are not entitled to a refund. Customers are entitled to a ticket transfer to a friend or family member.

Donations  

Support Craft + Design Canberra to create greater opportunities for our community of craftspeople and designers, and for the growing audience who admire and appreciate the beauty, skill and excellence of their work.  

Your generosity supports our organisation as an advocate for contemporary craft and design in Canberra and beyond. Help us to shape a handmade and creative future through exhibitions, events, residencies, professional development and commissions, as well as the biennial Craft + Design Canberra Festival.  

Craft + Design Canberra has been endorsed by the Australian Tax Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and is registered as a charity (as Craft + Design Canberra) with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission ABN: 33314092587. All donations of $2 or more will be tax deductible if you live in Australia.  

Thank you for your generous support, even a small amount can make a big difference to those who MAKE.