DESIGNING FUTURES
Designing Futures began in 2001 and was finalized in 2006. It has since become a successful mode of engaging WA’s design community while offering focused networking, training and mentoring opportunities outside of conventional design education avenues. The program delivers intensive business skills and product development mentoring to specially selected ‘clusters’ of designers. Each cluster focus is adapted to address different gaps in knowledge and learning – from initial product concepts and development through to more advanced business mentoring or market placement.
The Designing Futures model has attracted considerable national attention. In March 2007 FORM’s Industry Development Manager was invited to present on the project at the national Smartworks: Design and the Handmade conference in Sydney. The Australia Council for the Arts has likewise demonstrated interest in the model created by Designing Futures and as a result has taken their MMM funding initiative in new directions.
Designing Futures clusters generate multiple benefits for participants, including:
- Enhanced business skills
- Enhanced understanding of resources and opportunities (including trade fairs and exhibitions
- Enhanced networks and social cohesion
- New products and prototypes ready for market entry or market testing
- Greater motivation and initiative demonstrated by participants
- Enhanced individuals’ capacity for studio practice
- Substantial knowledge exchange
- Stronger understanding of the industry
- Enhanced time management and design processes
With high-level mentoring sourced from around Australia, network creation and structured programs of development for individuals within group settings, the Designing Futures cluster program enables practitioners to access resources that would otherwise be unattainable to them.
Recent high-profile mentors for clusters include renowned jeweller Julie Blyfield and internationally successful designers Khai Liew and Alexander Lotersztain.
Designing Futures and Midland Atelier
Roll-out of the Designing Futures cluster program has begun at Midland Atelier, which sees the aims and benefits of Designing Futures forming the bedrock of design programming at this creative industries site. Acclaimed WA furniture designer Jon Goulder (also former Designing Futures facilitator) has relocated his practice to Midland Atelier as an Artist in Residence while continuing to mentor clusters at the Atelier Current Clusters. For more information on the cluster program please contact the Industry Development manager here.