Design Futures: Pathways, Leadership & Legacy

Presented by Collarts, The Design Kids, TANK, March First and designer Bobby Haiqalsyah, brings together emerging and established voices in Australian design to explore how we build the next generation of creative practitioners—and the legacy they will create. Through three interconnected panel discussions, we address critical questions about entering the design industry, evolving leadership models, and the future of design practice in Australia.

Drinks and nibbles from 6pm.

Tue 19 May 6pm

Session 1: Design Pathways – Breaking into the Creative Industry

Design Pathways is a panel providing practical guidance for entering the creative sector. As graphic and communication design have evolved dramatically over the last 20 years, we explore which core skills remain essential, and which new attitudes are required to thrive in today’s industry.

Sally Brownbill (The Brownbill Effect)

Ande Crossan (Agency Leader)

Caleb Dalais (Designer, Heidi)

Sarah Hendy (Design Director, Bulletproof)

Wed 20 May 6pm

Session 2: Intersections – Diversity, Vulnerability & New Ways of Working

Intersections is a panel exploring how workforce diversity and emotional vulnerability are defining a new era of design. We will examine how diverse perspectives enhance both the creative process and its outcomes, while considering which modern practices have improved the industry, and which valuable traditions might have been lost in the transition.

David Alenson (Little Rocket)

Annette Dennis (Ortolan)

Zoe Hu (Love + Money Agency)

Adrian Liuzzi (Designing with a disability)

Quan Payne (Payne Studio)

Thu 21 May 6pm

Session 3: Future Forward – Creative Leadership & Evolving Roles

Future Forward examines the evolution of creative leadership and its role in the modern industry. The panel will explore how leadership adapts to a volatile creative sector and why storytelling remains the heartbeat of the craft. We will also discuss the necessity of visible failure and how a creative leadership mindset can drive significant impact far beyond the studio or agency walls.

Vincent Chan (Director, Counter Forms)

Marita Davies (Writer, Storyteller)

Mae Giglia (Business Manager, Jacky Winter Group)

Simon Hipgrave (Co-founder & MD, Bone Digital)

Kate Pullen (Art Director, Frankie Magazine)

Melbourne Design Week is an initiative of the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV