2009 Cicely & Colin Rigg Contemporary Art Award

Editorial

While not a designer himself, Colin Rigg (1895-1982) gives direct benefit to Victoria's contemporary design community, thanks to his appreciation of their creative talents. A former Secretary of the Felton Bequests' Committee (Alfred Felton was one of the first major philanthropic supporters of the NGV), Rigg was only too aware of the importance of supporting new and exciting forms of Australian art, especially in the emerging area of contemporary design.

The Cicely and Colin Rigg Contemporary Design 'Award of Excellence' focuses on contemporary design practice in the state of Victoria and is a reflection of the NGV's continuing support for and commitment to contemporary design. With their ultimate origins in the Great Exhibitions of the 19th Century, design awards remain important today. The highly coveted and prestigious award is one of Australia's richest prizes to be awarded to a contemporary designer and attracts the best and brightest talent in Victoria. The awards, held every three years, enable designers to take stock of current practice and identify for themselves outstanding achievements in their field.

Each exhibition is devoted to a particular design discipline. The past four exhibitions represented ceramics (1994), metalwork (1997), textiles (2003) and jewellery (2006). In 2009 the exhibition is dedicated to contemporary furniture design, with each of the works included in the exhibition having the potential to become a design classic in its own right.

The works included in the exhibition are influenced by a broad range of social, environmental, material, and aesthetic elements. Some designers have created work through the use of recycled and sustainable materials, and efficient transportation and storage through flat-packing or collapsibility. Other designers have produced seats with multiple configurations or that accommodate multiple sitters, reflecting an interest in the way furniture can shape people's interactions with one another and the spaces they inhabit.

The Cicely and Colin Rigg Contemporary Design Award spans designs of simple elegance to exciting and innovative creations, all of which point to exciting possibilities thanks to the richly talented community of Victorian contemporary design.

Cath Pope