Good design makes a vital contribution to the state's economy, culture and lifestyle. It has the capacity to protect our environment and positively influence the lives of all Queenslanders.

Queensland's design sector is flourishing, with many of the state's talented designers and design firms establishing national and international reputations for creativity and innovation.

Queensland designs can be purchased around the globe - Brian Steendyk's cero chairs in Milan, Easton Pearson's fashion ranges in Paris, Marc Harrison's Husque bowls in New York, as well as many other examples. Hear jewellery designer Ari Athans [Flash Video 22MB] talk about her work.

The State Government wants to tap into the potential of our designers to increase the competitiveness of business and the public sector and improve Queenslanders' quality of life.

The Queensland Design Strategy 2020 [PDF 2MB] launched by Arts Minister Rod Welford on 19 February 2009, is a whole-of-government framework dedicated to promoting the value of design and inspiring its take up by Queensland businesses, the community, and the public sector.

Through a series of four-year plans, the Strategy will support and guide the growth of the design sector nationally and internationally through a series of classroom, boardroom and community initiatives, high-profile events, international exchanges and the mainstreaming of good design into government departments.

A Queensland Design Council will be appointed from leaders of the design, business and research sectors to guide the implementation of the Strategy. 

These initiatives will help establish Queensland as a leading centre for design innovation in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020.  For more on design, see Designing Queensland

Design Triennial - Asia-Pacific Design Triennial, Brisbane, Australia, 4-10 October 2010