Exploring current and future challenges through design

Leading RMIT academics and students are set to feature in Victoria's annual celebration of design, Melbourne Design Week (MDW).

An 11-day program of exhibitions, talks, films, installations and more, MDW champions and interrogates how design can be used as a force for good in an increasingly complex and precarious world.​​​​​​​ 

A partner of MDW since its inception in 2017, RMIT will again present a series of events in 2023 alongside RMIT Culture and RMIT Design Archives.

In collaboration with the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), RMIT will also present the MDW keynote lecture by internationally renowned duo Anthony Dunne & Fiona Raby: Dunne & Raby, Not Here, Not Now.

The Melbourne Art Book Fair, running as part of the MDW program, also features events curated by RMIT and its academics, including Why Publish? Critical Practices in Design & Print presented by the School of Design and NGV.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Design and Social Context and Vice-President Professor Tim Marshall said RMIT is proud to be an active partner of this significant week for design practitioners, educators, businesses and the public.

"Design is critical to addressing the current and future challenges we face, especially as we grapple with developing regenerative processes that decentre humans in the ecosystem and move us toward a new understanding of inclusion, sustainability and equity," he said.

"This concern is central to our teaching and research in the College of Design and Social Context, and Melbourne Design Week provides valuable opportunities for the appreciation of design disciplines and exchange of knowledge with the broader community."

Ranked number one in Art and Design in the QS World University Rankings by Subject, RMIT is globally recognised as a leading University for design education and research, with innovative and industry-connected programs.

Marshall said as a University deeply ingrained in Melbourne's civic life, RMIT's partnerships with cultural organisations play an important role in enriching and advancing the city's design culture.

"We're thrilled to be partnering with Melbourne Design Week for another year and can't wait to see, hear and engage with the work and ideas presented across the program," he said.

Discover the full program at Melbourne Design Week.

Where to find RMIT, its students and academics at MDW: