CORPORATE GIFT DESIGN AWARDS SHOWCASE STATE’S CREATIVE TALENT

The creative talents of Queensland TAFE students and teaching staff have been showcased through a competition to design corporate gifts for visiting dignitaries.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, today announced the winners of the inaugural Queensland Aspects Awards at a ceremony at Parliament House.

“Queensland Aspects was designed as a showcase for the creative talents of TAFE students and teaching staff from throughout the state,” Mr Welford said.

“The competitors were required to design and create a corporate gift reflecting Queensland for a target audience that includes dignitaries and international VIPs such as key decision makers, business representatives and delegations.

“Supporting training for the creative arts industries is a priority for our Government.

“As part of the $1 billion Queensland Skills Plan, a skills formation strategy is being developed for the creative arts industry which will build strategic and local partnerships with industry and employers.

“These awards are a wonderful opportunity for our Queensland artists to raise their public profile and develop business opportunities.

“I congratulate the entrants for their creative designs, which came in all shapes and colours celebrating unique aspects of Queensland.”

Southbank Institute of Technology visual arts student Denise Douglas of Capalaba won the student category, receiving a $2000 cash prize and a tailored training package for her design of white and teal porcelain paperweights inspired by coastal sea urchins.

In the staff category, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE visual arts teacher Carol Forster of Buderim won the $2000 teaching staff prize for her handcrafted red earth bowl moulded in the shape of Queensland.

Tropical North Queensland Institute of TAFE teacher, Kerry Grierson, of BayviewGardens and student, Rika Kono, of White Rock, and Southbank Institute of TAFE student, Jo-Ann Pink, of Burleigh, were highly commended for their designs.

The Queensland Aspects Awards inaugural winners’ exhibition can be accessed at www.tafe.qld.gov.au/about_us/competitions/qld_aspects/index.html

Note for media: A photo of the Minister with award winners Denise Douglas, Carol Forster and Jo-Ann Pink is available.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000 or 0419 734 985