Parallels: Journey into Contemporary Making

In September, Melbourne will host some of the world’s leading thinkers and practitioners in contemporary craft and design. This two-day event will see more than 10 international and 20 Australian speakers explore the future of contemporary craft and design – sharing their stories, presenting new mindsets and considering opportunities to further evolve the complementary worlds of craft and design.

Created In partnership with the National Craft Initiative, the National Gallery of Victoria will host stellar international speakers including Simone Farresin & Andrea Trimarchi of Formafantasma (Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Gijs Bakker (Amsterdam, The Netherlands); Wava Carpenter of L’ArcoBaleno and Design Miami (USA); Trevyn & Julian McGowan of Southern Guild (South Africa); Brodie Neill of Made in Ratio (London, England); Cyril Zammit of Design Days Dubai (UAE); Antonio Aricò (Milan); Mavis Ganambarr of Elcho Island Arts (Elcho Island, NT); Simon Hasan of Craft & Industry (London, England); Shun Horiki of the East Japan Project (Tokyo, Japan).

Informative, inspirational, and provocative, visitors will be able to hear the latest ideas and thinking across broad terrains – from the hand made to the industrial, from studio practice, curation, technology, and retail strategy, to online markets, international exhibiting, limited editions, collectors and more.

Delivered as part of the National Craft Initiative (NCI) program, and curated by the new Department of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the NGV, Parallels offers an optimistic platform for Australian designers and craft practitioners to engage with international practitioners, buyers, and facilitators.

This is an event created for anyone interested in understanding the new cultural and commercial landscape for contemporary making, or those interested in interpreting how local/global forces are reshaping the parallel (and convergent) worlds of craft and design.

Full list of speakers, allied events program and tickets available on: ngv.vic.gov.au