State of Design Festival Showcasing the Best in Victorian Design

Melbourne’s State of Design Festival is upon us. Since 2004, the festival has been showcasing the best in Victorian design for local, national and overseas visitors.

This year’s event from 14–25 July, has a distinct focus on innovations in design for the benefit of the home, community and the environment. As many Docklands residents can attest, good design can facilitate simplicity of living, minimised consumption and aesthetic beauty.

The State of Design Festival aims to draw attention to these elements, educating the public in the process.

With 75 events including workshops, exhibits, forums and installations, there really is something for everyone, from those working in the industry to the completely uninitiated. There are also many free events including some in Victoria’s regional centres. Events touch such varied subjects as transport, crime and Algae as the unexpected solution to minimising carbon emissions! There are performances, projections, pilots, and the chance to shop for furniture. There is even a free event which specifically discusses ways to reengage with our fair City as though discovering it for the first time, just in case anyone needs a reminder just how fantastic Melbourne really is!
The festival is also giving Melburnians the opportunity to explore some of the city’s architectural, design and engineering wonders with the Open House program. Many of these are prominent buildings worthy of a little extra attention. Others are heritage listed gems that Melbourne is renowned for.

The high point of the festival will undoubtedly be the Premiers Design Awards which highlights the very best in design innovation in Victoria, celebrating the way design can improve our lives in terms of ease of living, productivity or environmental sustainability. As an indication for the diversity of the festival, the 10 shortlisted finalists range from the Eastlink Development to the Keep Cup, the Golden Age of Couture Exhibit to the Stephanie Alexander Garden Program, each excellent feats of design in their own right and certainly not the kinds of initiatives often seen on a competing bill! The Winner will be announced during the festival as a special awards ceremony.

For more information on the festival visit www.stateofdesign.com.au.