2016 marks the 30th anniversary of Fringe Furniture, the longest running event of the Melbourne Fringe Festival and one of the longest running design events in Australia.
Fringe Furniture is a showcase exhibition of furniture, lighting, homewares, wearable objects, permanent and ephemeral works. Established as an experimental playground, which has become a standout exhibition of emerging market-ready design, Fringe Furniture has provided an exciting platform for artists and designers for the last three decades.
Artist and designer, Bruce Filley conceived Fringe Furniture in 1986 with a vision of establishing a public forum that presented alternative ideas in furniture design.
“Fringe Furniture was inspired by the lack of opportunities for adventurous designer/makers to exhibit their work in mid 1980s Melbourne,” said Filley. “We wanted to challenge preconceptions, step on toes, break rules and have fun. We wanted to alienate and to inspire. And we wanted to be noticed.”
In this momentous year, artists are being encouraged to submit work that embraces the experimental and creative roots of Fringe Furniture, looking at the past to imagine and articulate the future of design. An open-access event, meaning that anyone can register to exhibit work.
This open-access policy results in established and emerging designers coming together, with a combination of experimental and functional works and the presentation of fresh ideas alongside refined forms. The breadth of talent and skill that Fringe Furniture attracts can genuinely be considered a barometer for the city’s vibrant and cutting-edge design community.
Throughout its history, Fringe Furniture has continually interrogated this vision by showcasing contemporary works that push boundaries and offer new possibilities. In 2016, artists are being encouraged to submit work that embraces the experimental and creative roots of Fringe Furniture, looking at the past to imagine and articulate the future of design.
“Fringe Furniture is 30 and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate its extraordinary contribution to design in Melbourne this year,” says Simon Abrahams, Melbourne Fringe Creative Director. “The exhibition is older than many of the designers who present work within it.”
“With a festival that is always about looking forward and discovering what is next, this year’s exhibition will consider its history as a way to imagine the future. I can’t wait to see what Melbourne’s designers dream up.”
Fringe Furniture 30: Redesign invites designers at all stages of their careers and working in all forms, including furniture, lighting, homewares, wearable objects, permanent and ephemeral works. It is a space for emerging and established designers to present their work side by side, to test new ideas and showcase exciting, original design.
Melbourne Fringe are also encouraging artists and designers who have participated in Fringe Furniture previously to get in contact to take part in 30th anniversary activities or submit work for this year’s exhibition.
Applications are now open and close on Monday 27 June 2016. Fringe Furniture 30: Redesign takes place 14 September to 2 October 2016 at the Abbotsford Convent. For more information, visit: www.melbournefringe.com.au for details.
Image: Fringe Furniture (supplied)