Published Wednesday, 21 January, 2009 at 09:24 AM
Minister for Education and Training and Minister for the Arts
The Honourable Rod Welford
Queenslanders’ designs showcased in New York
Arts Minister Rod Welford has congratulated five Queensland designers, who have been chosen to showcase their work in New York this week as part of "G’Day USA" celebrations.
“Five Queenslanders who entered the 2008 Memento Australia Awards will have their winning designs presented to 400 guests at a prestigious event at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel tonight, 21 January,” Mr Welford said.
“It is an honour for these local designers to be selected to showcase their talents at this event.
“I congratulate them for their efforts in bringing the best in Queensland design to the world.”
The five Queensland designers whose work will be seen in the US are: Sunshine Coast ceramist Carol Forster, who created a finely crafted porcelain bowl titled Footprints; Longreach silversmith Jane Colvin, awarded for her sterling silver Eucalyptus Tree Pin; Far North Queensland potter Jan Bainbridge-Perry who shaped a bowl using Australian clays and minerals inspired by the vibrant colours of her local landscape; Gold Coast weaver Cecile Falvey OAM who created a handspun wool scarf titled, After the Bushfire; and Mount Isa’s Deb Pirard whose winning entry was titled Gathering Pin.
Mr Welford said Queensland designers were leading the country and their success in the Memento Awards were evidence of the high standard achieved by our artisans.
“Good design is increasingly playing an important role in our everyday lives as well as becoming a key driver for our economy,” he said.
“The Bligh Government fosters ideas, imagination, creativity and innovation in everything we do, because we recognise these are the building blocks for a sustainable community.
“We have implemented a $3 million Designing Queensland program which aims to make the state a dynamic centre for Asia-Pacific design. The program includes $1.5 million for a major triennial design event focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, a boost in funding for the Smart State Designer of the Year award and continued support for the Memento Awards.
“These awards recognise the creativity, technical excellence and diversity of Queensland designers and the standard of entries last year was proof of the energy and optimism in Queensland’s design industry.”
The Memento Awards reward and promote the best authentic Australian-made gifts that celebrate the spirit and character of a city or region within Australia.
Judged by a panel selected from the tourism, arts and corporate sectors, entry to last year’s Memento Awards was by invitation only and included every finalist from the past 10 years.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000
“Five Queenslanders who entered the 2008 Memento Australia Awards will have their winning designs presented to 400 guests at a prestigious event at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel tonight, 21 January,” Mr Welford said.
“It is an honour for these local designers to be selected to showcase their talents at this event.
“I congratulate them for their efforts in bringing the best in Queensland design to the world.”
The five Queensland designers whose work will be seen in the US are: Sunshine Coast ceramist Carol Forster, who created a finely crafted porcelain bowl titled Footprints; Longreach silversmith Jane Colvin, awarded for her sterling silver Eucalyptus Tree Pin; Far North Queensland potter Jan Bainbridge-Perry who shaped a bowl using Australian clays and minerals inspired by the vibrant colours of her local landscape; Gold Coast weaver Cecile Falvey OAM who created a handspun wool scarf titled, After the Bushfire; and Mount Isa’s Deb Pirard whose winning entry was titled Gathering Pin.
Mr Welford said Queensland designers were leading the country and their success in the Memento Awards were evidence of the high standard achieved by our artisans.
“Good design is increasingly playing an important role in our everyday lives as well as becoming a key driver for our economy,” he said.
“The Bligh Government fosters ideas, imagination, creativity and innovation in everything we do, because we recognise these are the building blocks for a sustainable community.
“We have implemented a $3 million Designing Queensland program which aims to make the state a dynamic centre for Asia-Pacific design. The program includes $1.5 million for a major triennial design event focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, a boost in funding for the Smart State Designer of the Year award and continued support for the Memento Awards.
“These awards recognise the creativity, technical excellence and diversity of Queensland designers and the standard of entries last year was proof of the energy and optimism in Queensland’s design industry.”
The Memento Awards reward and promote the best authentic Australian-made gifts that celebrate the spirit and character of a city or region within Australia.
Judged by a panel selected from the tourism, arts and corporate sectors, entry to last year’s Memento Awards was by invitation only and included every finalist from the past 10 years.
Media contact: Emma Clarey on 3237 1000