International focus for Tasmanian Design

Tasmanian designers are being urged to think beyond their State and indeed Australia as part of this year's Design Island program.

Lisa Singh, Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, today launched Design Island: Crossing Hemispheres, which has a focus on the international market.

"Tasmania's already strong reputation in this field is enhanced by this program, which gives designers and studios a platform to promote their work and participate in professional development activities," Ms Singh said.

Ms Singh launched the program at Designed Objects Tasmania (DOT) in North Hobart, which is participating in Design Island.

"DOT illustrates the dynamic, high-quality potential that our Tasmanian designers can provide," Ms Singh said.
Arts Tasmania has provided assistance to the furniture designers at DOT to create an open doors event on Thursday night.

There are more than 30 exhibitions and activities as part of this year's program.

Other activities include a micro-exhibit of pocket-sized works by leading Tasmanian designers at the Design Centre in Launceston and a free affordable housing design service based in a shipping container at Salamanca Place.

The Design Island program is unique to Tasmania, providing an innovative strategy to build and strengthen the design community.

A full program is available at: www.arts.tas.gov.au/designisland.