City launches Geelong Design Week 2021

THE City of Greater Geelong has launched the program for Geelong Design Week 2021, to be held from March 18-28.
Geelong mayor Stephanie Asher said the program, now available online, showcases the great talent and expertise of local designers, artists and innovators.

“The exhibitions, performances and experiences on offer are really exciting and I’m sure many of them will challenge current thinking and pique imaginations,” Cr Asher said.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Unpredictable’ – a reflection on the year that’s been and the future that lies ahead.

Geelong Design Week 2021 will explore the ways design can turn unpredictability into opportunity, and barriers into building blocks.
Event participants will be encouraged to discover, imagine and explore how design and creativity can be used to push the boundaries and address global challenges.

The program features a diverse mix of exhibitions, experiences, public art installations, open studios, performance, pop-up shops, talks, tours and workshops.

The first Geelong Design Week was held in 2019, with the 2020 event cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cr Asher said the event was delivered as part of the city’s role as a designated UNESCO Creative City of Design.

“We are thrilled to be delivering Geelong Design Week in full this year – our local creative community has so much to offer,” Cr Asher said.

“I know this past year has been challenging for those in the arts sector, but it’s also been a year where many artists have had a chance to explore their creativity more than ever. As a result, the program for Geelong Design Week 2021 is full to the brim with wild, inspiring and transformative concepts and creations.”

The themes for this year’s event are:

• Art, craft, fashion, visual communications and multimedia
• Culture and heritage
• Equity, inclusiveness and encounter in the built environment
• Learning, knowledge and research
• Sustainability: human, social, economic, environmental, and ecological, and
• Technology, innovation and manufacturing.

Councillor Peter Murrihy, chair of the Economic Development portfolio, said bookings were required for most of the events and tickets would likely sell fast.

“Book now for your chance to explore our past, present and future through exhibitions, performances, tours, workshops, storytelling, and immersive digital technologies,” Cr Murrihy said.

“Events include unique behind-the-scenes experiences, as well as opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops with master artisans.

“Geelong Design Week presents a unique opportunity to see Geelong’s wealth of creative talent on display, while also learning how clever design plays such a key role in our success as a community.”

Geelong Design Week is presented by the City of Greater Geelong and celebrates Geelong’s global recognition as Australia’s first and only UNESCO Creative City of Design.

Explore the Geelong Design Week 2021 calendar and book tickets at geelongdesignweek.com.au