Published on : Friday, August 29, 2014
The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) announced its support for emerging furniture designers through its sponsorship of the “Best Student Design” award at Fringe Furniture 2014.
Fringe Furniture is the longest-running event in the annual Melbourne Fringe Festival. The first exhibition was held in 1986 and has been a part of the Festival every year since. Since 2011 Fringe Furniture has been held at Abbotsford Convent, and for 2014-16 will be partnered by the City of Yarra.
AFA CEO Patrizia Torelli welcomed the opportunity to support the awards component of Fringe Furniture, and the associated ‘new wave’ of furniture design talent.
“Emerging designers are the next generation of iconic designers of the Australian Furniture Industry. This award is a prime opportunity for our industry to nourish the future masters of our field, and help open the door for them to the public and corporate world.”
The prize on offer to the winner of “Best Student Design” includes membership of the AFA, as well as a seat on its Furniture Next Advisory Group, which brings together emerging manufacturers, designers, retailers and business people for Networking and Professional Mentorship programs.
“Furniture Next members are the next wave; the future leaders of the Australian Furniture Industry. They have a direct voice to the AFA’s Board of Directors and work to deliver opportunities for those emerging leaders within the Australian furniture landscape.” said Ms Torelli.
Fringe Furniture is an open-access design event that any artist, from any discipline, can respond to each year’s theme and submit a piece for display. Entries are encouraged from a broad range of design forms, including; furniture, lighting, homewares, wearable objects, decorative arts, permanent and ephemeral works.
The 2014 Melbourne Fringe Festival runs from Wednesday 17 September to Sunday 5 October, across various locations.
Tags: Abbotsford Convent, AFA, Australian Furniture Association, Australian furniture industry, Best Student Design, Melbourne Fringe Festival, Patrizia Torelli
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