TOP NEW QUEENSLAND DESIGNERS SHOWCASE THEIR WARES

A bubble-shaped retreat for workers and a quirky beside table inspired by a seachange feature in a new exhibition of Queensland design opening today.

Arts Minister Rod Welford, who will open Queensland New Design at Craft Queensland, said the 12 pieces in the exhibition were excellent examples of work by Queensland designers.

“All the pieces exhibit the best of good design and good Queensland design,” Mr Welford said. “It’s innovative, useful, kind to the environment and daring.”

Queensland New Design, at Craft Queensland in Fortitude Valley, is part of Brisbane InDesign, a new initiative to highlight the work of local designers.

It includes an all-day design showroom event on 26 May to introduce Brisbane designers to new clients and architects from around Australia as well as a mentoring program for emerging designers.

“Our Government has committed $20,000 to sponsor Brisbane Indesign,” Mr Welford said. “We hope it will let more people know about our designers and help Queensland designers network with industry professionals and develop their business ideas.”

The Government has also given $20,000 to Craft Queensland to produce corporate and tourism brochures that highlight Queensland design.

The exhibition Queensland New Design features the work of 11 local designers whose pieces were chosen by a panel of five judges.

The designers include Mark Heslop, whose Ryan chair was inspired by his son and a move to live at Coolum Beach; Marc Harrison, whose Pinch Vessel is made from recycled macadamia nuts; and Nicole Voevodin-Cash’s SOFTscape, a series of inflatable bubbles to be used in offices to create a Zen-like retreat for workers.

Principal Director of Cox Rayner Architects and Planning, Michael Rayner was a judge of Queensland New Design.

“The work was much more diverse than we expected,” Mr Rayner said. “We liked the degree of exploration and the willingness to go outside the square.”

Mr Welford said the Beattie Government was committed to supporting local designers to establish career pathways and win recognition in Australia and overseas.

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