10+ things not to miss at DESIGN Canberra 2018
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Returning in November for its fifth year, the DESIGN Canberra Festival is taking things up a notch, with a program of more than 100 events.
This year’s festival brings one of the most eclectic programs yet, with highlights including one of the most significant Japanese figures in contemporary architecture, Kengo Kuma; Australia’s leading practitioner of the late 20th century organic style of architecture, Enrico Taglietti; Dark MOFO favourite Matt Adey of House of Vnholy; a type artist’s conference; hands-on workshops, Tim Ross and more.
“DESIGN Canberra has resonated with Canberrans, the design sector and design lovers near and far because design is in Canberra’s DNA,” said Rachael Coghlan CEO of Craft ACT and Artistic Director of DESIGN Canberra 2018.
“This year’s program will be full of new ideas, conversations, and innovations to further inspire what makes Canberra a living design laboratory.”
This year some of the biggest names in design will join Canberra’s burgeoning design community to exhibit, speak and inspire audiences at the ACT’s fastest growing festival. The festival theme is ‘geometry’, referencing the city’s distinctive form and rich design history. The theme will explore geometry and its presence throughout the city, which creates human, creative and global connections.
Whether you’re a lover of design, travel, culture or simply enjoy getting amongst the action, the DESIGN Canberra Festival offers versatility to suit everyone’s taste. Here are some you won’t want to miss.
Opening Party and Auction
DESIGN Canberra’s opening night and auction. Image: 5 Foot Photography
Celebrate the first weekend of the 2018 DESIGN Canberra festival with an opening party. Enjoy experimental lighting design, an auction of contemporary studio-produced design, as well as music, local wines, craft beer, spirits and more. Support authentic contemporary design and place your bid on experimental, small scale or one-off pieces from leading designers.
Saturday 10 November, Monaro Mall
Living Rooms
Architecture + design + craft = an open home with a difference. Explore the living rooms of acclaimed Canberra houses and discover pop-up exhibitions with works on sale by local artists, makers and craft practitioners. Enjoy a progressive exhibition as you take in the beauty of design in our own backyard.
Sunday 11, 18 and 25 November
Eat Drink DESIGN Canberra
Chef Ben Williis. Image supplied.
Award-winning chef, Ben Willis, has curated a one-night-only design dinner celebration of the best of food and design teamed with seasonal, locally sourced produce and contemporary designers. The one-off Eat Drink DESIGN Canberra dinner includes five courses plus matched wine, presented in their beautifully moody and recently refurbished dining room. Hear from Ben Willis about his vision for a perfect dinner, alongside acclaimed designers.
Friday 16 November
Kengo Kuma’s ‘NAMAKO’
Kengo Kuma’s ‘NAMAKO’. Image: University of Tokyo.
One of the world’s leading architects, most recently known as the designer of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Stadium, has designed the inaugural ephemeral architecture project which will activate Aspen Island in Lake Burley Griffin over the festival. The 12-metre-long installation, inspired by a sea cucumber, will be composed of a steel rod frame structure and mesh made with bio-acrylic rods woven together by zip-ties.
5-25 November 2018, Aspen Island
Enrico Taglietti Symposium
Polish White Eagle Club by Enrico Taglietti. Image: Darren Bradley.
Symposium speakers include international and national architects and designers, architectural historians and scholars, and some of the many people who have been touched by Taglietti’s inspiring work. The symposium is part of a series of dedicated festival events (tours, poetry, exhibition, open homes) which will feature the work, poetics, personal style and contribution of Taglietti (now aged 92), as part of the DESIGN Canberra festival.
Friday 16 November, National Gallery of Australia
Tea in the Potter’s Garden
Visit the studios and chat to makers while they work. To enhance your experience the artist will also host a collaborative event, bringing together makers of ceramic tableware, local tea blenders Endeavour Tea and florist Shop Girl Flower Girl to indulge your senses in an intimate and thoughtfully curated market in the gardens of the Watson Arts Centre.
Saturday 10 November
Open Studios
Open Studios. Image: 5 Foot Photography
Step inside the studios of Canberra’s best designers and makers to purchase contemporary handmade ceramics, furniture, textiles, glass and more, directly from the artists. Experience hands-on workshops and demonstrations.
Saturday 10, 17 and 24 November
Tim Ross: 2018 Griffin lecture
Best known for his work on TV and radio, comedian Tim Ross has a long-standing passion for architecture and design. He will present the 2018 Griffin lecture, the Australian Institute of Architects annual event to celebrate Australian achievements in design, architecture and construction.
Wednesday 7 November
Architecture Bus Tours
Australian War Memorial Annex by Enrico Taglietti. Image: Darren Bradley.
Back by popular demand, this year’s four architecture tours will take their cue from the 2018 Design Canberra theme: geometry. The always popular mid-century modern architecture tours will be presented by local architecture enthusiast and author of Canberra House, Martin Miles.
Over three weekends, audiences will go behind the scenes of the most acclaimed modernist buildings in Canberra, including a special Taglietti edition. The annual Australian Institute of Architects awards tour will open the doors to a selection of this year’s ACT Architecture Award residential projects including the stunning Swan house, winner of 2018 Malcolm Moir and Heather Sutherland Award for residential architecture.
Mid Century Modern Tours – Saturday 10, 17 and 24 November | Australian Institute of Architects Awards Tour – Sunday 18 November
Creative Careers
Back for the third year in a row, this is an opportunity to become inspired for a career in the design arts, as special invited guests provide a glimpse into their journey towards success in creative industries.
Tuesday 6 November
Craft and Design Workshops
Chelsea Lemon. Image supplied.
Explore the processes and techniques of local designers as they share their skills in these hands-on workshops. Create your own ceramic tableware with Girl Nomad Ceramics, develop your basketry skills with contemporary artist Ruby Berry or delve into the world of parquetry with Designer in Residence Chelsea Lemon.
Saturday 10, 17, 14 November
Walking tours
Explore the city on foot with the DESIGN Canberra team of architect tour guides for a unique and compelling perspective on the architecture and design of our city. From heritage walks, to contemporary design as well as a special architect-guided tour of the recently refurbished Monaro Mall, there’s something for every architectural taste. The Australian Institute of Architects will also lead a walking tour through some ANU historic buildings.
19, 21, 22, 25 November
the essentials
What: Design Canberra
When: 5–25 November, 2018
Where: Various venues
Web: designcanberrafestival.com.au
Feature image: Museum of Possibilities by VarialStudio
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