Grand designs as festival program revealed

THE City of Greater Geelong has revealed its biggest Geelong Design Week program, with more than 70 exhibitions, workshops, talks, tours and unique experiences.

From November 21 to November 30, Geelong Design Week 2024 will celebrate homegrown design excellence, innovation and creativity across our region, showcasing why we are Australia’s only UNESCO Creative City of Design.

The annual event will bring Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, local designers, industry leaders, design enthusiasts, students, creatives and the broader community together to collaborate, network and inspire new ideas to solve design issues.

Program highlights include:

• The ‘Designing Djilang’ walk delves into how Wadawurrung Traditional Owners have informed design outcomes around central Geelong
• ‘MOTEL’ live show with comedian and design nerd Tim Ross and musician Kit Warhurst, taking a look at the nostalgia of Aussie holidays
• Peek inside the stunning homes of architects and their clients, and get inspired for your own home by signing up to ‘Architect’s Homes – Building Tours’ in Greater Geelong and along the Surf Coast
• ‘Speed Date with an Architect’ offers homeowners, renovators, and design enthusiasts one on one advice with an architect for up to 15 minutes, and
• McGlashan Everist Walking Tour’ explores the renowned Geelong-based architecture practice’s design projects including The Carousel, Barada House and Costa Hall.

The expanded program features both in-person and online experiences with a range of free and ticketed events.

Geelong Design Week 2023 attracted 17,288 attendances, up 172 per cent from the previous year, and saw attendees from outside the Geelong region inject $1.6 million revenue alone into the local economy.

“Design is broader than we often think and impacts us on a day-to-day basis, from housing and buildings, product creation, fashion and video games, to gardens, art, graphic design, advertising and sustainability,” City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Ali Wastie said.

“Good design is accessible and inclusive of all in the community, regardless of age or ability.

“Geelong harnesses design to address a wide range of challenges, from social and environmental issues to enhancing communication and creating innovative products, fostering solutions that are both creative and impactful.”

She said the program reflected Geelong’s design excellence and innovative spirit.

Tickets to the festival are now available at geelongdesignweek.com.au