Where does one kick off with DESIGN Canberra? So many events. So many activities.
Whether you’re into architecture, jewellery, fashion, interior design, landscape design, industrial design, conversations about design or walking tours introducing you to design, this festival has it all.
Best first step is to get stuck into the program and then make a list and check it twice so you don’t miss out. Many events are free. Some welcome drop-ins, others have set times or require bookings.
And here, to guide you along, are our top 10 picks.
Remember, times, days and venues vary so pick up your copy of the colourful and distinctive pink and yellow programs available at galleries, cultural institutions and some of Canberra’s best shops and cafes, or check out the fine details on www.designcanberrafestival.com.au or
1. Designs from the Bush—not everyone can make it to Darwin each August to the Aboriginal Art Fair. Luckily you can see incredible work by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists during one of the festival’s many ACTivate pop-ups—fibre sculpture, fibre craft, textiles, fashion, homewares and more.
2. M16 Artspace and Quesadilla Bar—this studio/gallery showcases the work of 15 designers. While there, grab a drink and a bite at the Quesadilla Bar and enjoy three special exhibitions.
3. boyandgirlco and BMW—see new furniture created out of the humble pallet, re-purposed BMW parts and other materials, showing how there truly is new in old. Exhibition on at BMW.
4. Capital of Culture walking/guided tours—put on comfy shoes and get walking. Eight walking/guided tours are available, including at Canberra Airport, Weston Acton Park, Embassy of Sweden, the National Archives of Australia and National Portrait Gallery.
5. Fusion of design and degustation—meet industrial designer Sam Tomkins, gold and silversmith Nellie Peoples and cook and landscape gardener Mathew Woolfe at this innovative pop-up and explore how sharing a meal is a context for great design.
6. Living Artists open studios—sixteen Living Artists are throwing open their studios to the public. This is a rare opportunity to meet the artists direct and see where and how they work. Some studios are home to one artist while others are home to several. Included are Canberra Glassworks, The Hayshed, M16, Workshop Level, Matthew Curtis and Harriet Schwarzrock, Six Wiluna and ANCA.
7. Three CraftACT exhibitions—‘Discover define develop deliver’ gives insights into the minds of many professional members of Craft ACT; ‘Thought-Process’ is the first solo exhibition by industrial design studio Skeehan; Splash of Colours is a ceramics exhibition featuring a Japanese technique of creating patterns with coloured clay.
8. Stitched Up—explore an exhibition of new work by emerging textile students from the Australian National University.
9. Urban Assemblage: Imprint—an exhibition of small-scale architectural models and drawings made in response to Canberra’s urban realm by those studying at University of Canberra.
10. Design Hub, Design Institute of Australia—interact with designers across many disciplines, including furniture, jewellery, digital media, music, sound, lighting and visual arts.
Click here to see the full DESIGN Canberra schedule of events.
