Melbourne Design Week 2023
A host of events, displays and happenings are about to kick off in Melbourne this week. In short, 100 venues across Victoria will be the backdrop for Melbourne Design Week, an 11-day program of talks, tours, exhibitions, launches, installations, and workshops. This year’s theme is ‘Design the world you want’.
From May 18–21 the Melbourne Design Fair is a platform for designers, commercial galleries, design agencies and organisations to gather, promote and sell the best contemporary and 20th century collectible design from Australia and the world. MDF takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf.
The centrepiece of Melbourne Design Week, Melbourne Design Fair features the work of more than 150 designers across 60+ presentations staged by prominent commercial galleries, design agencies, organisations and studios. The event offers visitors the chance to view and purchase one-of-a-kind, limited edition and small batch design production, including furniture, lighting and contemporary jewellery.
The Fair has representation from all Australian states and territories, with highlights including Gallery Sally Dan-Cuthbert from New South Wales, artisan QLD, South Australia’s JamFactory, Canberra Glassworks, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists from the Northern Territory presented by Agency, and Design Tasmania.
Presenting a diverse collection of leading design from Australia and the world, feature group presentations include Agency, ALM, Australian Tapestry Workshop, Craft Victoria, C. Gallery, Leonard Joel, MARS Gallery, Modern Times, OIGALL PROJECTS, Origine, Sophie Gannon Gallery, Stanley Street Gallery, Broached Commissions, and Sullivan+Strumpf.
Showcasing significant emerging and established designers, the Fair welcomes solo shows including international luminary Geatano Pesce with Neon Parc, alongside leading names including Alexander Lotersztain, Elliot Bastianon, Christopher Boots, Snelling Studio from New Zealand, Dowel Jones, James Howe, Lost Profile Studio, Peter Cooley with Martin Browne Contemporary, Marta Figueiredo, and Ross Gardam.
New in 2023 and recognising the dynamic field of contemporary jewellery, the Fair will also include presentations from industry influencers Funaki, Maker and Smith, Australian Design Centre and Pieces of Eight.
Presented across 3,000 square metres at the MCEC, Melbourne Design Fair provides visitors with the opportunity to discover new talent, explore innovative design production, and gain an insight into the latest trends in the world of collectible design.
In 2023 the Fair debuts an NGV curated section, titled DISCOVERY, dedicated to the promotion and sale of work by emerging designers and makers. DISCOVERY offers collectors, industry and the design-loving public the opportunity to discover and purchase work from a new wave of designers including: Alfred Lowe, Annie Paxton, Charlie White, Dalton Stewart, Isaac Chatterton, Julian Leigh May, LLh Studio, Nicole Lawrence, Sabu Studio, Sedni, Two Lines Studio, UnitePlayPerform, and the next generation of talent from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists.
A further highlight is the NGV-curated exhibition, FOCUS, which brings attention to the work of five accomplished Australian female designers and makers. Foregrounding their skills and conceptual prowess, the works on display shine a light on the important contributions these practitioners are making to Australian design. Curated by NGV’s Simone LeAmon, The Hugh Williamson Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture, the exhibition recognises the importance of inspiring future generations of women in design and promoting diversity within the industry.
Tony Ellwood AM, Director of the NGV, said: ‘Melbourne Design Fair is a vital platform for the visibility and viability of Australia’s design industries. After the challenges of the past few years, events like this offer real, tangible support to our sector – and especially to local designers, makers and studios. The NGV is proud to be partnering with the Melbourne Art Foundation on this important initiative and to share Australia’s design talent with an even greater audience.’
Maree Di Pasquale, CEO of Melbourne Art Foundation, said: ‘Defined by the vibrancy of its host city, the annual Melbourne Design Fair demonstrates Melbourne’s commitment to the sector in what is the region’s most significant commercial platform for collectible design. Appealing to the design lover and discerning collector alike, the Fair will offer access to the most rare and limited-edition collectible design on Australian shores, curated by the National Gallery of Victoria.’
Melbourne Design Fair is part of Melbourne Design Week, which is an initiative of the Victorian Government and delivered by Creative Victoria and the NGV.