Design celebration set to delight

BUILDING on the success of last year’s inaugural event, and in celebration of Geelong’s status as Australia’s only designated UNESCO City of Design, this year’s Geelong Design Week is back.

Running from March 17 to 27 with an official launch event on Thursday, March 17, the 2022 Geelong Design Week is destined to delight.

With 60 events running across the 10-day period, Geelong and Surf Coast locals have the opportunity to experience and engage in a full program of incredible themed events, via this internationally recognised celebration of design – right on their doorsteps.

This year’s theme is taur meaning ‘belonging’ in the local Wadawurrung language, the Traditional Owners of Djilang (Geelong).

Indigenous artist Deanne Gilson’s commissioned work, Yalik Beek Murrup (water, country, spirit), provides the strong visual narrative that underpins Geelong Design Week.

The concept of contemporary design thinking creates a conversation about the way that we live on the planet, how we use design in our everyday lives, rather than being a static discussion about the design of ‘things’.

This year’s program will feature everything from architectural and garden walking tours to panel discussions about creative urban design, to dance and movement workshops, exhibitions, fashion, crafts, educational and VR experiences, to scientific displays and engaging talks.

With all events organised under eight key themes, there really is something for everyone.

Kicking off the week, singer, actress and storyteller Clare Bowditch will be gracing the stage of the refurbished The Palais in Moorabool Street, Geelong with an event titled: Big Dreams, Creative Resilience and the Stories We Tell Ourselves: An Evening With Clare Bowditch.

Destined to be creative, reflective and delightful, there are limited tickets available for the event at a cost of $35 plus booking fee which includes refreshment on arrival. Clare’s presentation is not to be missed. Head to www.geelongdesignweek.com.au for bookings.

And the popular Open Studio program is back again, running across the two weekends of Geelong Design Week on Saturday, March 19, Sunday, March 20 and Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, when local craftspeople, artisans, artists, creators, spinners, glass blowers and makers throw open their studio doors and welcome visitors into their creative worlds, shining a spotlight on the raft of talent in our region.

Geelong Design Week is an initiative of the City of Greater Geelong, its purpose to engage community in a high quality and inclusive program that highlights local design talent and creative endeavour whilst attracting visitors from near and far.

A boon for the local economy, the retail, tourism and hospitality sectors are ready to welcome visitors with open arms.
Head to www.geelongdesignweek.com.au to explore the full program.