In recent years, Canberra’s reputation as a hub of great design has grown: in fashion, architecture, industrial design, jewellery, graphic and fine art and more.

Now, a four-day festival of over 60 events created by over 300 participants seeks to inspire, challenge and change the way you think about this designed city.

DESIGN Canberra invites you to explore a CBD reactivated with pop-up installations, design labs, exhibitions and shops; discover leading local and interstate designers at MODERN market; see your city in a whole new light with the Capital of Culture Tours; hear and discuss new ways of creative thinking with the DESIGN Buzz conversation and lecture series, and many more events that will inspire, challenge and change the way you think about this designed city.

Last night’s launch event – Fusion: the art of eating kicked off the Festival with an evening featuring some of Canberra’s best chefs and craftspeople. Here are five more events you shouldn’t miss during the Festival – on now until Sunday 23 November.

ACTivate

DESIGN Canberra has taken over the city with an exciting program of pop-up shops, exhibitions and projects located in vacant shopfronts in Civic, Braddon and Kingston.

ACTivate aims to fill Canberra’s streets with craft and design, and provide artists, designers, students and businesses with the opportunity to creatively transform Canberra’s urban spaces through design interventions.

You can find DESIGN Canberra ACTivates in Civic at the Centrepoint Building, City Walk; Baileys Corner, London Circuit; and the old JB Hifi building on East Row. In Kingston, Cox Architecture is hosting an ACTivate in their foyer, whilst in Braddon ACTivates are located at 5 Lonsdale St, and 27 Lonsdale Street in Lonsdale Street Traders.

Also in the ACTIVATE stream is a collaborative exhibition of furniture designed and produced at the old Canberra Brickworks, ACTIVATE: Brickwork Artisans and Designers features works by Enrico Taglietti, Geoff Farquhar-Still and Thor Diesendorf. Taglietti is a respected local architect, Farquhar-Still is an established Canberra-based sculptor and Diesendorf is a leading furniture designer whose work focuses on design solutions to best make use of the natural qualities of reclaimed timber.

Open 11am to 7pm Friday; 11am – 4pm Saturday and Sunday at 5 Lonsdale Street in Braddon. Opening from 6pm to 6pm tonight, Thursday 20 November. Free entry.

Capital of Culture Tours

DESIGN Canberra’s Capital of Culture Tours take participants on short tours with designers and architects for a close up of landscape and architectural landmarks, design projects and the best of Canberra’s coffee stops.

Aimed at showcasing the best of Canberra’s architecture and landscape design, the Capital of Culture Tours offer a unique insight into some of this city’s best known landmarks, buildings and even entire suburbs.

Join architect Alistair Swayn on a tour of Brindabella Business Park; Walk the Line of Design, Art and Life in Crace with the Australian University’s John Reid; learn about the design and urban character of City West and the NewActon Precinct with the Australian Institute of landscape Architects (AILA), ACT Chapter; or jump on your bike for a leisurely and informative ride with the AILA ACT Chapter and soak up the delights of the local Canberra landscape.

Local Talent Time

Local Talent Time is an interactive evening with leading local and Australian design talent, being held at 6pm tonight at Stylecraft’s Braddon showroom. You will gain a unique insight into the industry, covering topics including the direction in workplace interiors, the craftsmanship in product manufacturing and the inspiration behind furniture and interior design. Canberra based designers together with guests from Stylecraft’s leading collection of Australian designers will share their experiences and knowledge. These include some amazing local talent including local silversmith Alison Jackson, industrial designer Tom Skeehan and Ross Gardam & Keith Melbourne.

The evening is by RSVP only to nicolaw@stylecraft.com.au

Modern Market

Take home the best in local and national craft and design, from ceramics, glass, fashion and interior furnishings, to jewellery, metal, stationary, textiles and wood. Held in the multi-award winning Nishi building and Hotel Hotel from 2pm to 8pm this Saturday 22 November, MODERN market will delight visitors with entertainment and delicious food.

Swoon to live music by Yohan Strauss, Fossil Rabbit, Michael Liu and The Miroslav Bukovsky Trio – featuring Miroslav Bukovsky, Col Hoorweg and Lachlan Coventry – whilst sipping on the handcrafted ‘Post Modern’ cocktail designed by Monster Kitchen and Bar Manager, Chester Mok.

While you’re there, admire the stunning botanical installation in the Nishi Grand Stair, created by brave botanics and have the chance to purchase one of many beautifully designed bouquets.

DESIGN Canberra Closing Event

After four days of jammed packed creative stimulation,celebrate the close of DESIGN Canberra with Craft ACT and Fashfest. Held at the National Museum of Australia from 5pm to 7pm on Sunday 23 November, this event will feature live action fashion photography and the announcement of the inaugural DESIGN + CRAFT Award by Designcraft. The photoshoots, held at various locations around the Museum, will feature some of Canberra’s top designers, photographers, hairdressers and makeup artists.

Later, rub shoulders with cream of Canberra’s design community as the inaugural DESIGN + CRAFT award, presented by Designcraft, is announced. See here for more details.

To see the rest of the HUGE program, visit the DESIGN Canberra website.

the essentials

What: DESIGN Canberra Festival
When: Official launch Wednesday 19; exhibition runs from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 November
Where: A variety of locations around Canberra. Check the program for more details.
How much: Dependent on the event, activity or exhibition
Web: www.designcanberrafestival.com.au