The west coast’s annual design festival is returning in 2027 for its fifth year. From 11 to 18 March, Perth’s Liberty Theatre and State Buildings will once again play host to eight days of talks, exhibitions, open houses and events honouring the state’s creatives.

A new venue added to the mix

For the first time in the Perth Design Week’s (PDW) history, the annual major exhibition will be held in the main building of the WA Museum Boola Bardip. The Museum is the premier destination for art and culture in the state, making it the perfect destination for the festival’s headline event. More details on the exhibition itself are yet to be released, so watch this space for more information to come.

Supporting next gen designers

In another first for the festival, the fifth anniversary marks the inaugural appointment of its Student Advisory Committee, giving a voice to the next generation of designers as part of the festival’s programming. Fifteen students have been appointed, and the first meeting was held at the end of August.

“Placing a specific focus on elevating emerging youth talent, this will be the first year we are working with our newly-established PDW Student Advisory Committee on programming,” says PDW founder and chair Sandy Anghie. “Young people are the future and they have always been a part of PDW. Now they will take on a leadership role.”

A new year welcomes new sponsors

Curtin University has been a partner of PDW since it launched in 2022. For the fifth anniversary, Curtin University is stepping up as a major sponsor. The University joins fellow major sponsors Ligne Roset Perth and Cult. Jardan has also been announced as a new major sponsor of PDW, while Human-Urban and URBIS return for another year as sponsors.

“With growing support since its launch in October 2022, PDW is transforming from a grassroots initiative into a powerhouse public festival, bringing together a broad range of design disciplines, and bridging the gap between industry and community here in WA,” says Anghie. “The financial and in-kind support of our sponsors and partners is vital for the festival to continue to exist and deliver on its primary mission to elevate the creative and design sector here in WA.

Keep an eye out for program announcements closer to the date.

Images: Supplied.