Premier
The Honourable Anna Bligh

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

PREMIER ANNOUNCES FUNDING BOOST FOR MAJOR DESIGN INITIATIVES

New Government funding for three key design initiatives is set to make Queensland a magnet for design talent in the Asia-Pacific region.

Premier Anna Bligh today announced $1.5 million in funding for the first initiative - a major triennial design event.

Ms Bligh said the Asia-Pacific region event would promote design culture, nurture business collaborations and showcase design excellence.

“This event will be a focal point for the $3 million Designing Queensland program, which is part of the Smart State Strategy,” Ms Bligh said.

“My Government is committed to fostering ideas, imagination, creativity and innovation in everything we do – these are the building blocks for a sustainable community.

“A design triennial will be a major opportunity for Queensland designers to strut their stuff on the world stage.

“It will also be a window for learning with a major business forum, related seminars, exhibitions and networking opportunities.”

The second design initiative Ms Bligh announced was a boost in funding for the Smart State Designer of the Year award, from $10,000 to $50,000.

“My Government is committed to supporting a sustainable, world-class design sector and this prize is about recognising and rewarding the local designers at the forefront of this international industry,” she said.

“The Smart State Designer of the Year Award has been in place since 2006, with past winners including Lasse Kinnunen, Kirsti Simpson and Rob Geddes.

”In future we will see the Smart State Designer of the Year working with the Creative Industries Academy so our budding designers can have access to leaders in the field.”

The Premier said the third initiative was a four-year $80,000 commitment to Brisbane Indesign - an industry event presented by Indesign magazine.

“This event highlights Brisbane’s design precincts and provides a dedicated forum for the Queensland design sector to engage with the national and international marketplace,” Ms Bligh said.

Media contact: Premiers 07 32244500

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