Sydney Design is back in 3–18 August 2013 at The Powerhouse Museum, Sydney

"Sydney's leading festival of design is back in 2013! This year's theme Design re-think asks: 

• Can intelligent design save the world?
• Can design transform, replenish and restore the well-being of our world to create a cleaner, more beautiful and more functional society? 

Stay tuned for an inspirational program featuring exhibitions, talks and events at the Powerhouse Museum and across Sydney.  

Re-think and get involved: Not only can you visit Sydney Design 2013 – you can be part of it. So put your (re)thinking cap on and get ready for expressions of interest to open soon. "

Here are the previous program for inspiration.

Subscribe now and be one of the first to find out when expressions of interest open.

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Special Feature:

GEORGE NELSON: ARCHITECT, WRITER, DESIGNER, TEACHER

A comprehensive retrospective of the work of George Nelson (1908–1986), one of the most influential figures in American design during the second half of the twentieth century, will open at the Powerhouse Museum as part of Sydney Design 2013.

Marshmallow Sofa, 1956. Photo: Vitra

Nelson created classics of modern furniture and interior design like the Coconut Chair (1956), the Marshmallow Sofa (pictured, 1956), the Ball Clock (1947), the Bubble Lamps (starting in 1952) and the Action Office (1964). He was not only a leading designer and notable architect, but also a prominent author, editor, lecturer, exhibition designer, and a passionate photographer.

In his many essays on design, he was one of the most prominent voices among his peers in reflecting on the working conditions, duties and objectives of his profession at a time when the field and its image were still in the formative years. Nelson’s conception of design as a system, his approach that went beyond mere styling and always took into consideration the greater nexus of interrelated interests and concerns as well as his achievements in the teaching of design give his oeuvre particular relevance and appeal in today’s context.

Exhibition opens as part of Sydney Design 2013

Zoo Clocks, 1965. Photo: Vitra Design Museum Archive

Images & Sources:

http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/

Powerhouse Museum International Lace Award

"You need to be in it to win it"

Powerhouse Museum is launching an Art & Design competition. Please check out it and you never know. You could be the lucky winner to be featured with other 30 talented artists and designers in July/August 2011.

http://www.powerhousemuseum.com/lace/

The International Lace Award seeks to encourage contemporary design and challenge conventional notions of lace and its application in the areas of fashion, the built environment and digital multimedia.

Professional and amateur artists, designers and practitioners around the world are invited to enter for the chance to be exhibited at the Powerhouse Museum and win a share of AU$40,000 in prize money.

The Award defines lace as an openwork structure whose pattern of spaces is as important as the solid areas.

Approximately 30 works will be selected for consideration for exhibition in July 2011. The selected entrants will have time to develop their proposed work from May until November 2010. Prize money winners will be announced at the opening of the exhibition in July 2011. In addition to the overall winner receiving AU$20,000, five winners will receive AU$4,000 each across the following categories:

* Traditional techniques
Category includes needle and bobbin lace, crochet, knitting, knotting, netting and mixed laces.

* Fashion
Category includes garment, jewellery or accessory.

* Built environment
Category includes interior design, product design or architecture.

* Digital multi media
Category includes computer generated virtual lace design.

* Tertiary students in Australia and New Zealand
Category includes all lace techniques.

Each entry submission will be judged with reference to visual impact, originality and creativity, skill in execution and innovation in design, materials and/or technique. The work must be original and reflect the artist’s identity and cultural origins.

29 March 2010
Closing date for Expressions of Interest strictly by 5.00pm AEST.

12 May 2010
Successful finalists announced.

25 November 2010
Finalists’ completed works delivered to the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney.

  July/August 2011
Exhibition launch as part of the Powerhouse Museum’s international
                                                      design festival Sydney Design 2011.
Featured Images:
Chanel couture silk lace/tulle dress, c.1937. Label: "Chanel" with couture number on the back. Featured in the Chanel exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. http://www.vintagetextile.com
Lace Interior: http://es.homesandproperty.co.uk
Lace Fence: Artists Demakersvan http://www.demakersvan.com