Have a go

Winning an award is a pathway to growth

There are many competitions available to Australian designers and design students. Some have generous prizes that lead to greater opportunities. Each of of the State-based fashion festivals have awards. Others are conducted by government, industry bodies, colleges and private entities.

Keep checking back. We are gathering information to build a one-stop list of state and national competitions.

Banksia Awards 2010

Regarded as the most prestigious environmental awards in Australia, with multiple categories including the Water Award, the Clean Technology Award and the SME Business Sustainability Award.

Entries close on 02 August, with winners announced 15 October 2010.

Australian International Design Awards 2010

The AIDA program has attracted a record 202 industry entries and a further 98 student entries, representing a 27% increase on 2009.

Entries closed in December 2009. Watch out for the next round in September 2010.

Australasian Student Design Awards

Student design awards with multiple categories, including textile design.

Entry is open to students currently studying full time equivalent or apprentice tertiary courses at a Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma or Advanced Diploma or Degree level, or graduated from any of these courses in Semester 2 of the previous year.

The 2010 winners have been announced and are listed on the Design Institute of Australia website. Watch out for next year's nominations in April.

Premier's Design Awards (Victoria)

The Premier’s Design Awards highlight initiatives where design has been used effectively, sustainably and strategically to innovate, increase productivity and/or boost competitiveness and exports. It is the investment in and success through design that the awards seek to celebrate.

In 2010 there is a single awards category – the Premier’s Design Award. The winning recipients of this accolade are considered to be at the pinnacle of the use and application of design in Victoria.

The five 2010 winners were announced at the State of Design Festival ceremony on July 21st and are listed on the State of Design website.

The George Alexander Foundation/ISS Institute Fellowship

An overseas fellowship open to technical/trades people and artisans under 35 years of age to further develop their skills, knowledge and experience and assist in the reduction of skill deficiencies in key Australian industries. Awarded annually, the successful applicant receives a maximum of $10,000 towards costs such as airfares, living allowance, accommodation and/or course fees.

Applications for this fellowship closed on June 28th. Visit the ISS Institute website for other fellowships offered throughout the year.