Five things you can’t miss this week at the DESIGN Canberra Festival
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It’s a huge month of events, workshops, talks, tours, and exhibitions as the DESIGN Canberra Festival takes over the city for the ultimate celebration of local creatives.
But with more than 250 things to do, where do you even begin?
That’s where we come in. Each week, we’ll be doing a round-up of what you can’t miss—and trust us when we say there’s something for everyone.
Kicking off the DESIGN Canberra Festival, this week head along to The Forage, explore the Dairy Road Design Market and take an extra special trip to the Canberra Centre. Here are five things to put on your ‘can’t miss’ list.
The Forage
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Did someone say sangria, burgers, and art in the middle of Civic Square? One for foodies and design lovers alike, on Saturday 5 November the DESIGN Canberra Festival is partnering with The Forage to transform the heart of the city into a festival hub, complete with large-scale graphic interventions, public artworks, workshops, and (of course) food.
And with over 20 local vendors (including Let’s Do Yum Cha, Super Bao, Hungry Brown Cow Burgers, La Empanada, Via Dolce Pasticceria, and more) as well as beverages from local wineries and breweries—including a roving sangria cart from Skeehan Brothers—the combination of design and food has never sounded so good.
Saturday 5 November, 2 pm – 7 pm | Civic Square, Canberra City | theforage.com.au
Dairy Road Design Market
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Love a cheeky visit to the local markets? On Sunday 6 November, head along to the Dairy Road Design Market for the ultimate celebration of design, food, and fun.
Showcasing more than 20 leading, local designers, you’ll also be able to enjoy live music, food, wine tastings, and more. For the kiddos there’ll also be free-play sessions run by the Green Hat Workshop and many of the businesses at Dairy Road will also be opening during the market—cereal snack break at SUNY Cereal Bar anyone?
Sunday 6 November, 10 am – 3 pm | Dairy Road, 1 Dairy Road, Fyshwick (near Capital Brewing) | dairyroad.com.au
Design Canberra x The Canberra Centre
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If you’re popping out for lunch or dinner at the Canberra Centre, why not use the excuse to enjoy some art as well? On the ground floor of the shopping mall, you’ll find Shadow Lines by Oat Studio from Wednesday 2 November—a mix of photography, painting, and textile design that presents the viewer with a deconstructed urban landscape.
For those looking for the perfect piece of furniture (aren’t we all?), on Level 1 you’ll find Dovetail—an exhibition by Craft ACT contemporary furniture makers. Celebrating the best of Canberra’s design, the event is free (and it’ll be the perfect inspiration for your next big buy).
But if you’re more interested in the agency, agility, and adaptability of the next generation of creative professionals, CTRL.ALT.DESIGN (a curated selection of student’s work from the disciplines of Architecture, Digital Media, Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Visual communication from The University of Canberra) is a must-visit.
Friday nights will also see plenty of workshops for both adults and children pop up in the Monaro Mall space, but we recommend heading along on Friday 4 November to enjoy the pop-up bar from 5 pm—because the only thing that makes art better is viewing it with a glass of something cold and sparkling in hand.
Wednesday 2 until Sunday 20 November | Canberra Centre, Monaro Mall | designcanberrafestival.com.au
The Robert F!NK National Metal Prize
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We’re all obsessed with the F!nk jug (hello Christmas present inspo), but did you know that there’s a Robert Foster F!NK National Metal Prize celebrating outstanding work in the field of contemporary metalworking?
Recognising the exceptional skill and innovative design of both established and emerging designers and craftspeople, head along to see the work of 10 finalists and see the winners of the three awards: an established artist, an emerging artist, and an acquisition prize.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
Seeing Seventies: Photography Competition
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There’s no denying that Canberra has some iconic architecture—and this exhibition at Craft ACT is the ultimate celebration of design in the 70s. Capturing the best of Canberra’s design and architecture from the decade, the exhibition has over 90 photographs from professional and amateur photographers—perfect for spending an afternoon immersing yourself in architecture and art.
Until Saturday 10 December | Craft ACT, Level 1, North Building, 180 London Circuit | designcanberrafestival.com.au
HerCanberra is a proud media partner of the 2022 DESIGN Canberra Festival.
