Design Island 2009: At the Edge

Has a Tasmanian designed the Postie Bike of the future? How can a group of Tasmanian designers help youth at risk to find affordable housing?

Design Island has the answers to these questions and more, wrapped up in its exciting 2009 program launched today by Lisa Singh MP.

"The theme for Design Island 2009 is 'At the Edge' and focuses on leading edge design here in Tasmania," Ms Singh said.

"It is the designers' response to the geographic edge, the technological edge and the virtual edge of creative thinking.

"One of the real strengths of Design Island is its ability to bring designers together across all the different disciplines to build professional networks.

"Tasmanian designers are finding success internationally thanks to the people they have met through Design Island in past years."

The 2009 program includes five showcasing projects that represent outstanding and innovative Tasmanian design.

These projects were supported by Arts Tasmania through the Industry Showcasing Grant Program.

Ms Singh said fifteen selected Tasmanian designers will retreat to the Bay of Fires Lodge to discuss and critically assess their work.

"A range of international guests will again lead the forum discussions and workshops, including top New Zealand designers, David Trubridge and Dean Poole.

"The program continues to expand each year, building on Tasmania's established industry strengths as well as supporting and promoting emerging designers," Ms Singh said.

Other highlights of the program include:

• Architects from Room11 have designed a modular home in a customised shipping container which will be on display at Salamanca Place, Hobart;
  
• Simon Williams' prototype for the new Postie Bike: a revolution in mail delivery will be travelling through the streets of Hobart;
  
• An exhibition at TMAG's Commissariat Store will examine the productive relationship between architect and client;
  
• True-to-scale models of small and intricate details from Tasmanian architectural projects are on display at Detached, Hobart;
  
• Markets in Hobart and Launceston showcase handmade designs by local practitioners;
  
• Justy Phillips will launch a quarterly magazine that observes the raw undercurrents of everyday life in Tasmania;
  
• Students of Furniture Design at the University of Tasmania will present their individual interpretations of the chaise longue recliner couch at the School of Art, Hobart;
  
• The Castle, a portable housing prototype for youth at risk will be travelling around Tasmania, making stops at Hobart, Launceston, Carrick (Agfest), Burnie and Devonport.
  

Design Island is presented by Arts Tasmania and takes place from 1 to 9 May.

For the full program visit www.arts.tas.gov.au/designisland