Announcing the Melbourne Fringe Furniture theme for 2010

9th April 2010 - Fringe News

FRINGE FURNITURE 2010
THE CITY HAS A FACE, THE COUNTRY HAS A SOUL

What does furniture look like in the sprawl?

When perched on the periphery what do you see?

As the urban sprawl continues its inexorable outward creep, Melbourne Fringe looks at the encounters between the city and its others. Can our traditional notions of country Australia actually exist within the metropolis itself? Does this leave a ghostly imprint on the city of what was, or can it be revived in the most forward-looking of contemporary creations?

In 2006, for the first time, over half of the world’s population lived in cities. Many have claimed that cities are our future, yet these urban centres currently drain 75% of the world’s resources while producing only 2%. The role of our outer-metropolitan and country places needs to be investigated. What will our homes look like in 2050?  For some the Australian landscape is a repository of nostalgia and longing, while others have imagined it as a space of fear and alienation.

In 2010 Melbourne Fringe Festival takes twin concepts as its dominant themes: an exploration of ‘the city’ in Visible City, and an investigation into ‘the country’ via our unique object design showcase, Fringe Furniture.

Designers are challenged to rediscover the spirit of a landscape fast disappearing – the long view, the place where time flows differently, and where the space between neighbours is measured by the crow. At the same time, makers will imagine a future that takes seriously the challenge of reducing waste, using sustainable materials and consuming locally produced products.

What is the future of contemporary furniture design in country Australia?

Fringe Furniture registrations will be open July 1, so start dreaming now! If you have any questions, contact the Fringe office on 03 9660 9600.