September 16, 2022
Powerhouse launched its flagship design program, Sydney Design Week 2022 (15-22 September) with the announcement of three new design initiatives that mark a major investment into the NSW design industry.
POWERHOUSE DESIGN RESIDENCY
Powerhouse and Create NSW announced the Powerhouse Design Residency valued at $100,000. This significant new initiative will support three early career NSW designers and makers to undertake six months of professional development at Powerhouse. Each resident will receive $25,000 in financial support as well as industry mentoring, access to studio space and workshop facilities at Powerhouse Ultimo.
HOLDMARK INNOVATION AWARD
Sydney Design Week Principal Partner Holdmark announced the new annual Holdmark Innovation Award, recognising excellence and innovation in engineering, architecture and the built environment. Powerhouse will select a project designed in Australia in the previous calendar year that demonstrates outstanding innovation in architecture, engineering or urban design and planning. The Award will be presented to the recipients at an annual event during Sydney Design Week, from 2023.
CARL NIELSEN DESIGN ACCELERATOR
The new annual Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator, supported through a generous bequest from Carl and Judy Nielsen, will recognise achievement by Australian industrial designers working in sustainable design. Powerhouse will select one project designed in Australia in the previous 12 months that demonstrates outstanding design for sustainability. The program will be tailored to the recipient and may include an industry mentorship, production or research assistance, or outreach support. All recipients will be invited to participate in Sydney Design Week, from 2023.
“Individually and collectively, these initiatives represent a significant investment by the NSW Government, Powerhouse, its partners and benefactors to support the NSW’s design industry. This commitment is a testament to the ongoing support provided by the NSW Government in partnership with the Powerhouse to designers at all phases of their careers, from early and mid-career to established,” said Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin.
“Holdmark is committed to championing excellence in design and ensuring Australian designers, engineers and architects receive the recognition they deserve. This Award will enable us to celebrate the achievements of Australian innovators and raise their profile internationally,” said Holdmark Chief Executive Sarkis Nassif.
“Carl Nielsen had a major influence on establishing the Industrial Design profession in Australia during its early formative years. He helped guide and mentor numerous designers who now have leading roles in the industry. The Carl Nielsen Design Accelerator has been developed to continue his legacy of supporting industrial designers to achieve their full potential,” said Nielsen Design Managing Director Adam Laws.
“These initiatives signal Powerhouse’s expanded investment into design and support for the NSW design industry by embedding innovation within the museum’s creative precincts and supporting studio practice, knowledge and skills development. We are looking forward to collaborating with our partners across these initiatives to deliver sustained opportunities and outcomes for our design community,” said Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah.
Sydney Design Week is presented by Powerhouse and features exhibitions, talks, film screenings and workshops across the city from 15-22 September 2022. This year’s program, themed ‘Making Now’, examines the role of design across a range of disciplines.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Georgia McKay | Powerhouse
georgia.mckay@maas.museum | 0466 223 293
Emma Blong | Create NSW
emma.blong@create.nsw.gov.au | 0438 473 719
About Create NSW
Create NSW is the NSW Government’s arts and cultural driver, which brings together arts, screen and culture functions in an integrated entity. The agency forms part of the Arts, Sport and Tourism Group within the Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade, and is responsible for furthering Government’s vision for NSW to be known for its bold and exciting arts and culture that engages the community and reflects the state’s rich diversity. Create NSW invests in the success and future of arts, screen and culture in NSW through infrastructure and funding programs.
About Holdmark
Holdmark is a privately-owned property development and investment group founded over twenty-five years ago. During this time, Holdmark has become one of Sydney’s most trusted and respected property groups. It has spent the past twenty-five years building well designed, high quality projects in some of Sydney’s most sought after locations.
About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.4 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the flagship museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to Powerhouse collections.