Front | Centre at Denfair
Melbourne’s DENFAIR event is a proverbial melting pot of contemporary design that brings together leading and emerging figures in the industry. This year, there’s a promising new addition to the program by the name of Front | Centre.
The initiative invites five representing entities from across Australia to feature the very best in craft and design from their region. Craft ACT, JamFactory, Artisan – Centre for Queensland Craft & Design, Designed Objects Tasmania and Workshopped in association with Australian Design Centre (ADC) will all present works from a host of local designers.
“The DENFAIR Front | Centre initiative … allows emerging designers to be on an even playing field with the some of the best in the country,” explains Nicholas Fuller, furniture studio production manager of South Australian collective JamFactory. All of their furniture studio associates will be exhibiting at Front | Centre.
“(Taking) our work from Adelaide to Melbourne and displaying it in front of a such an important and recognised group of people in the industry … is an invaluable opportunity.”
Nicholas and JamFactory furniture design studio creative director, Jon Goulder have set a brief for eight designers and he promises that the result is not to be missed.
Craft ACT is another exhibitor at Front | Centre. Among their eight designers is Rene Linssen, who, along with collaborator Elliot Bastianon, will present a new collection of furniture and officially launch their brand Furnished Forever. Linssen will also show some pendant lights.
“To have my work on display in such a prime spot amongst some of the biggest designers in Australia is pretty special” says Linssen.
Fellow Craft ACT artist Richilde Flavell, creator of Girl Nomad Ceramics, is looking forward to rubbing shoulders with other industry professionals and presenting her debut tile range.
“I had this idea to make ceramic splash-backs for homeowners’ kitchens and bathrooms with all the materials sourced from the property or nearby surrounds,” Flavell elaborates on her inspiration.
“(DENFAIR is) an opportunity you’ve got to step up to, and for me it’s a fantastic platform to launch my tile range.”
Rene Linssen aptly summarises the spirit of the initiative, describing it as “a great celebration of Australian design, (and) appreciating the work everyone produces.”
Check out Front | Centre at DENFAIR to witness the creative genius of people moulding the future of design in Australia.
DENFAIR will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 8–10 June 2017.
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