I visited the National Design Centre whilst in Australia back in April. Director Kathy Demos was kind enough to spare a couple of hours over a coffee on a sunny Melbourne morning and I hugely enjoyed our chat. Unlike similar institutions elsewhere, the National Design Centre appears to be essentially self-funded through commercial activity and I was well impressed with the vision and energy of Demos and the Centre. As a hub for Australian design, its truly multidisciplinary understanding of its field is to be applauded.

The Centre itself is neatly embedded within the Federation Square cultural precinct, where its integration makes perfect sense (sidestepping the concerns of London’s nearest equivalent.) During my stay, Demos and team were building up to the Melbourne Design Festival, which now starts in a few days and looks to have a great set of events.

There’s an exhibition of the work of architects Denton Corker Marshall – ‘espresso < expressway’ – which should be particularly good. Similarly, exhibitions on poster design – Posters In Light of Recent Events, the 2nd Australian Poster Annual – and Charles and Ray Eames exhibitions and films. Elsewhere, there’s the Under Capricorn design trade show amidst loads of other events. So, good luck to Demos plus team and if you’re in or around Melbourne, be sure to check it out.

Melbourne Design Festival, 6-16 July 2006
National Design Centre, Melbourne