Major investment into NSW Design
The Powerhouse announced three new design initiatives supporting local designers marking a significant investment into the NSW design industry. The news was released as part of its flagship design program, Sydney Design Week 2022 (15-22 September).
NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin comments: “Individually and collectively, these initiatives represent a significant investment by the NSW Government, Powerhouse, its partners and benefactors to support the NSW’s design industry. This commitment is a testament to the ongoing support provided by the NSW Government in partnership with the Powerhouse to designers at all phases of their careers, from early and mid-career to established.”
Powerhouse and Create NSW announced the Powerhouse Design Residency valued at $100,000. This significant new initiative will support three early career NSW designers and makers undertaking six months of professional development at Powerhouse. Each resident will receive $25,000 in financial support, industry mentoring, and access to studio space and workshop facilities at Powerhouse Ultimo.
Sydney Design Week Principal Partner Holdmark announced the new annual Holdmark Innovation Award, recognising excellence and innovation in engineering, architecture and the built environment. The inaugural Award will be presented during Sydney Design Week 2023.
CARL NIELSEN DESIGN ACCELERATOR
The new annual Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator, supported through a generous bequest from Carl and Judy Nielsen, will recognise achievements by Australian industrial designers working in sustainable design. Powerhouse will select one project designed in Australia in the previous 12 months, demonstrating outstanding sustainability design. All recipients will be invited to participate in Sydney Design Week from 2023.
“These initiatives signal Powerhouse’s expanded investment into design and support for the NSW design industry by embedding innovation within the museum’s creative precincts and supporting studio practice, knowledge and skills development. We are looking forward to collaborating with our partners across these initiatives to deliver sustained opportunities and outcomes for our design community,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.
Sydney Design Week is presented by Powerhouse and features exhibitions, talks, film screenings and workshops across the city from 15-22 September 2022. This year’s program, themed ‘Making Now’, examines the role of design across a range of disciplines.