The University of Western Sydney in partnership with Industry and Investment NSW (I&I NSW) will present a free panel discussion on Thursday 2 September to help equip Indigenous designers with the knowledge to transform an idea into a commercial product.

For many designers, the real challenge comes after the idea has developed into a concept and the time comes to get the design to the manufacture stage.

Dr Geoffrey Lee, Associate Dean of Engagement in the College of Business at UWS, says the ‘Beyond the Concept’ event will aim to help Indigenous designers turn their design ideas into reality.

“The event will provide an opportunity for designers to connect with manufacturers and examine how to recognise and develop useful and well thought out products for the Australian and global marketplace,” says Dr Lee.

“Today, many designers, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal, are inspired by Australian Indigenous art, often combining traditional methods with contemporary design. This combination produces a strong, distinctively Australian look, which has huge commercial potential, not only domestically, but overseas.”

Dr Lee will take part in the panel discussion alongside a range of Aboriginal designers, major manufacturers and stylists.

The panel of leading Australian manufacturers, who are interested in collaborative opportunities for commercialisation, will examine the challenges and opportunities faced by both manufacturers and designers in bringing any product to realisation.

ABC New Inventors presenter and designer of award-winning contemporary Aboriginal jewellery, Alison Page, will MC the event, and panel members will include:

  • Bronwyn Bancroft, Designer Aboriginals Pty Ltd
  • Peter Djaya, UWS Master of International Business student
  • Julie Paterson, Cloth Fabric
  • Carol Hanlon, Belmont Business Enterprise Centre (BEC); and
  • Anthony Peterson, IP Australia

I&I NSW’s Aboriginal Business Development Program offers a range of services to meet the needs of businesses. The program provides information to people who want to get started in their own business, from marketing to financial management, right through to supporting those businesses to get into the export market.

‘Beyond the Concept’ is an official event of Industry and Investment NSW’s Small Business September. For more information and registration, visit:
http://www.smallbusinessmonth.nsw.gov.au…

WHAT: ‘Beyond the Concept’ panel discussion WHERE: UWS Parramatta South Campus, Building EB, Level 3, Room 33 WHEN: Thursday 2 September, 2010 from 11.00am to 1.00pm MAP: http://www.uws.edu.au/campuses_structure…