Entries open for 2008 Smart State Designer of the Year

Arts Minister Rod Welford has called on members of Queensland’s impressive pool of designers to apply for the 2008 Smart State Designer of the Year award.

Mr Welford said the award had been presented by Arts Queensland and the Queensland branch of Design Institute of Australia since 2006, and entries for next year’s prize were now open.

“This is a hotly contested award and in the past two years, we have seen the cream of Queensland’s design talent fight for the title,” Mr Welford said.

“The Smart State Designer of the Year award recognises a designer’s work, their leadership and their commitment to design excellence.

“Past winners Lasse Kinnunen (2006) and Kirsti Simpson (2007) were both deserving recipients – the 2008 winner will have to emulate their talent and dedication to design.”

The Smart State Designer of the Year is part of a larger awards program run by the DIA which have been renamed qdos (Queensland Designers on Show). The awards were formerly called the Queensland Design Awards.

Mr Welford said the winner of the 2008 Smart State Designer of the Year award would receive a $5000 travel bursary.

“This year the awards attracted a record number of entries, so we’re hoping to see a similar response in 2008,” he said.

“Next year’s awards cover all facets of the design industry across three major categories of interior design, three dimensional design and visual communication.”

Mr Welford said the strong response to the design awards, in particular the Smart State Designer of the Year, was an indication of the energy and optimism in the Queensland design industry.

“In the 2007 State Budget our Government committed $1 million to the planning of an international centre for sustainable design in Brisbane,” he said.

“A discussion paper was released earlier this month to gauge private sector interest in delivering a hub for design disciplines and a launch pad for design excellence. I am looking forward to the feedback on this paper.”

Entries for the qdos 2008 awards and the Smart State Designer of the Year close on Friday, 22 February, 2008. For more information go to www.qdosawards.com.

For information on the Queensland Centre for Design Discussion Paper go to www.artsqueensland.com.au. Feedback closes 30 November.

Media contact: Emma Clarey or Marnie Stitz on 3237 1000