Media Release
$50,000 New Australian Design Commission
Powerhouse and David Jones have partnered to establish a new Australian Design Commission that will invest in the next generation of Australian designers, providing them with the opportunity to design a prototype of a new product for the contemporary Australian home.
The commission will invite an Australian designer to engage with the rich design history of the David Jones archive, which spans nearly 200 years.
The designer will receive $50,000 to develop and deliver a prototype over a nine-month period starting in August. They will also benefit from the support of Powerhouse and David Jones including curatorial expertise, mentorship, access to the Powerhouse Collection and workshop space. Additional support will amplify the designer’s work and ensure its recognition within Australia and beyond.
Upon completion of the prototype in 2026, the selected designer will work closely with David Jones on the creation of a window display at the iconic David Jones Elizabeth Street store in Sydney, unveiling the new design to Sydney audiences.
The announcement of the commission is the next chapter of the Powerhouse and David Jones partnership following an exhibition in July 2024 that celebrated the donation of the David Jones archive to the Powerhouse, a significant milestone in preserving the history of the iconic Australian retailer.
The David Jones archive is one of the most important collections of Australian design and will now be preserved and amplified by the Powerhouse, ensuring its relevance for future generations of designers and curators.
Expressions of interest are open to individual practitioners who live in Australia and can undertake a major project from concept to prototype within the timeframe. Interested designers are invited to submit an overview of their proposed prototype, along with a timeline, milestones, and a budget for the works.
David Jones CEO Scott Fyfe said, ‘We are thrilled to be working alongside the Powerhouse to create this unique opportunity for Australian designers. This design commission will allow us to continue encouraging local creative practice and foster design excellence. This new initiative underscores our shared commitment to preserving Australian design history while driving its evolution.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said, ‘We are excited to partner with David Jones to establish this new commission which will honour the legacy of Australian design and support and amplify contemporary Australian designers.’
Applications for the David Jones and Powerhouse Australian Design Commission are open until 5pm on May 4, 2025, with the recipient announced in July 2025.
Full details, including eligibility criteria and submission guidelines, are available on https://ph.au/3XGKNYd.
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.
About David Jones
David Jones is Australasia's leading premium department store retailer. The iconic department store first opened its doors in 1838 with the mission to sell the best and most exclusive goods. David Jones has 41 locations across Australia and New Zealand as well as davidjones.com in Australia and is the oldest continuously operating department store in the world still trading under its original name.