Melbourne Design Week is Getting a Creative Upgrade

Imagine being a book lover in a land without libraries, or a cinephile in a country with no movie theatres – this is what life has been like for the designers and collectors of Australia. Though they can create their own storefronts and galleries within which to share their designs, there has been no unified event at which to explore, sell, purchase, and generally enjoy limited-edition modern design pieces. Until now. 

Introducing the Melbourne Design Fair

This year marks the sixth iteration of Melbourne Design Week and to celebrate, the National Gallery of Victoria and Melbourne Art Foundation are launching the all-new Melbourne Design Fair. From the 16th to the 20th of March 2022, you’ll have the rare opportunity to explore an abundance of collectible contemporary designs crafted by some of the most talented creators in Australia.

Melbourne Design Fair will be spread across two platforms – Present and Select – each of which represents a different angle within the contemporary design market. The beauty of both platforms is that everything will be available for sale, so if you fall in love with a piece, it’ll be well within the realms of possibility to take your newfound treasure home. 

Melbourne Design Fair: Present and Select

Imagine if someone collected all the coolest galleries, studios, design organisations, and exhibition spaces in Australia and presented them in one easily accessible place. This is what you’ll find at the Present wing of Melbourne Design Fair. Select, by contrast, is a collection of contemporary designs curated by Simone LeAmon, the resident expert in contemporary design at Australia’s oldest and most visited art gallery – the National Gallery of Victoria. 

CEO of Melbourne Art Foundation Maree Di Pasquale explained that these platforms have been developed in direct response to the demand from local collectors. The idea is to celebrate the unique design culture that’s thriving in Australia and make a splash in the international community. In Di Pasquale’s words, 

“The Melbourne Design Fair marks a significant moment for design in Australia, both for the design community but also for Australia’s wider creative identity.”

Melbourne Design Fair will be taking place from the 16th to the 20th of March in the heart of the city’s design district at Warehouse 16, 28 Duke Street, Abbotsford.