Geelong Design Week returns from 21 to 30 November 2024, bringing ten days of dynamic exhibitions, workshops, tours, talks and experiences to Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula, and the Surf Coast. As regional Victoria’s largest design festival, this year’s program boasts more than 70 events, showcasing the region’s rich design culture while celebrating Geelong’s designation as Australia’s only UNESCO City of Design.

The 2024 program emphasises local designers, Aboriginal design traditions and sustainable practices, offering a platform for exploring how design shapes our world, fosters innovation and addresses pressing social and environmental challenges. With a mix of free and ticketed events, both in-person and online, the festival invites everyone — design professionals, students and the broader community — to connect and engage.

“We’re thrilled to unveil a program that truly reflects Geelong’s design excellence and innovative spirit,” says Tennille Bradley, City of Greater Geelong’s executive director of placemaking. “This year’s Geelong Design Week offers an immersive experience in home-grown design, blending new perspectives with time-honoured techniques. It’s an invitation to explore how creative, conscious design can shape our future and rediscover forgotten crafts.”

Geelong Design Week highlights

Architecture and design

• MOTEL with Tim Ross: Comedian and design enthusiast Tim Ross returns with his live show MOTEL, blending humour and nostalgia in a tribute to classic Australian motels. This is a must-see for design and travel lovers alike.

• McGlashan Everist Walking Tour: This guided tour through Geelong’s city centre highlights key architectural works by McGlashan Everist, including the Geelong Carousel and Deakin University. The tour concludes with drinks and discussions at Eden Oak.

• Ten Years of Dowel Jones: The National Wool Museum hosts an exhibition celebrating a decade of Dowel Jones’ design, showcasing their innovative furniture, lighting, ceramics, and textiles.

Urban development and placemaking

• Making Home: McKenzie Street. Explore the impact of social and affordable housing through tours of McKenzie Street, Belmont, as part of the Victorian Government’s Big Housing Build initiative.

• Nyaal Banyul: A Place of Baierr. Discover how Wadawurrung Traditional Owner knowledge informs the design of the Geelong convention and event centre — the first Australian convention centre named in a traditional language.

Circular design and sustainability

• Matter(s) of Time: This immersive exhibition features innovative biomaterials created from recycled waste, blending art and sustainability.

• Circularity and the Future of Geelong: Renowned circular economy expert Ashleigh Morris leads a panel discussion exploring sustainable innovations, from modular housing to renewable energy solutions.

Arts and design

• Talking Art: Louise Saxton and Jason Smith. Geelong Gallery’s Jason Smith and artist Louise Saxton delve into her transformative needlework assemblages and her monograph LOUISE SAXTON cut & pinned.

• Kip&Co, Jenny Kee and Ken Done Collaborations: Celebrate Kip&Co’s vibrant collections with Australian icons Jenny Kee and Ken Done, bringing optimism and colour to homewares and apparel.

Community engagement

• LIGHT LETTERS: Local students’ creative works will be displayed across Geelong’s northern suburbs and beyond, spotlighting community voices through art and design.

• Do you want to build a fatberg? Barwon Water + the Indirect Object: This hands-on event educates participants about urban sustainability by building a “fatberg” replica, highlighting the importance of responsible waste management.

• UNESCO City of Design tour: The Design Institute of Australia and Cultivated present a guided tour of Geelong, departing Melbourne. Participants will explore the city’s innovative projects focused on sustainability, new materials, and cutting-edge architecture.

With its vibrant mix of events, Geelong Design Week 2024 promises to inspire and challenge audiences, highlighting the transformative power of design. Early registration is encouraged for ticketed events, and the full program is available on the Geelong Design Week website.

Whether you’re an industry professional, an emerging designer or a curious visitor, the festival invites you to celebrate the creativity and resilience shaping the region and its future.

Images courtesy of Geelong Design Week.

For more design inspiration, look back at Tope Adesina’s essay on the Living Cities Forum.