An Inspired Immersion – Futures Collective Returns to Villa Alba Museum

The Futures Collective returns for 2023 from 18th May to 24th May, 2023, at Villa Alba Museum in Kew. The exhibit will speak directly to Melbourne Design Week’s theme ‘Design the world you want’ by delving into ideas around transparency, currency, collaboration and legacy.

Taking place as part of Melbourne Design Week, Futures Collective is the much-anticipated initiative showcasing innovative creators, makers and the stories behind them. This year’s Futures Collective co-participants each demonstrate a unique vision of process-driven design, including Innate Collection, MATTERS, YSG x TAPPETI, Eco Outdoor and Scott Livesey Galleries. The exhibit is a refreshing means to connect with design and makers in a modern and immersive way within the walls of a beautiful heritage building.

Taking place as part of Melbourne Design Week, Futures Collective is the much-anticipated initiative showcasing innovative creators, makers and the stories behind them.

Taking a central post in this year’s exhibit is MATTERS, an exploration into “what matters to you”. Marlo Lyda curates a collection of Australian and international designer-makers to explore ‘process’ as the key factor behind how each practitioner’s concept is developed, with the results presented in three exhibitions spaced over three years. This first instalment hosts a tactile array of material samples, interpreted tools, experimental forms and visual documentation as a way to challenge perceptions of how something goes from a concept to reality. Some of the participants include designer and craftsperson AndrewCarvolth, DJ PAPER and Melbourne-based design studio Cordon Salon.

Another highlight of this year’s exhibit is the Real Majik rug collection presented by TAPPETI XYSG. The rugs are a fusion of Australian interior designer Yasmine Ghoniem’s signature design aesthetic and the fine craftsmanship of Tappeti Fine Handcrafted Rugs + Carpets. The collection features bold, vibrant colours and patterns, seeking to offer an effortless balance of function and luxury.

The exhibit is a refreshing means to connect with design and makers in a modern and immersive way within the walls of a beautiful heritage building.

An innovative collection of functional sculptures from OKO OLO will also be on display. Exploring the possibilities of recyclable and reclaimable along with the mindful archaeology of materials and what they might become, the collection delves into the interplay between ‘found’ and ‘formed’. Materials include timber, metal, stone, mirror, ceramics, fabric, paper and found objects, allowing each sculpture a distinct narrative personality.

Fiona Spence also returns to Futures Collective with a preview of the work in progress of her upcoming Innate LS collection. The collection is inspired by the landscape artist Luke Sciberras and contributes to Fiona’s development of a contemporary Australian aesthetic. In celebration of authentic Australian design, Eco Outdoor will also be supporting Futures Collective by showcasing the Arc Chair, produced in partnership with Australian designer Tom Fereday.

An inspiring fusion of artistry, expertise, and craftsmanship, Futures Collective is a free immersive exhibition exploring the stories behind contemporary creators and makers. The exhibition will take place at Villa Alba Museum, 44 Walmer Street, Kew from 18th May to 24th May between 11am to 5.30pm.