Brekky Thoughts
Assemble Brisbane event that took place in late 2021, which brought together professionals from the art, architecture, and design communities in Brisbane to discuss the present state of these industries and their interactions with each other and other stakeholders. They focused on topics such as society/culture, environment/sustainability, and policy/economy, as well as possible future shifts and changes to create greater cohesion between these industries.
Year:
2021
Location :
Callie Hotel
Event Sponsor :
QUT Design School
Assemble Brisbane brought together an initial cross-section of Brisbane’s art, architecture and design communities to discuss the present state of these industries, their interactions with each other and with other stakeholders in the light of three topics -
Society
Culture;
Environment
Sustainability
Policy
Economy.
We also discussed possible immediate future shifts and changes that can be made to see greater cohesion between these industries, and with the Olympics and Paralympics 2032 as a catalyst, what role these industries collectively must play in the shaping of the city for this pivotal moment. We posited what an aspirational legacy in these topics for design, art and architecture would be. Lastly, we also asked what was/is iconic about Brisbane in terms of art, architecture and design. A decent conversation that initiated a broader collegiate interaction with the love of Brisbane as the central tenet.
⁕ Present State
Common threads from the table conversations about Brisbane’s Art/Architecture/Design.
-
Brisbane and it’s people can be viewed as transitioning from a small town mentality, but still struggling to escape a unique kind of cultural cringe.
There is a burgeoning of opportunities within Art/Architecture/Design in Brisbane.
There is a wealth and variety of emerging and established artists, architects and designers currently working within Brisbane.
-
Sustainability is gaining a good wider public appreciation, but how does that relate to the reality of sustainability goals, their achievement and the roles that are played by artists, designers and architects.
The Brisbane City Council’s commitment to carbon neutrality is important, but how can this approach be translated city-wide?
Attitudes are changing but we as Artists/Architects/Designers have the capacity to accelerate this.
-
Design education in Australia is lacking at a grassroots level.
Art/Architecture/Design is integral to our society but this is not reflected in current policy.
Current policy and education has a tendency to make it difficult for emerging Brisbane creatives to remain in the city.
⁕ Future.
Common threads from the conversations about Brisbane’s Art/Architecture/Design
-
There is a distinct need to engage the broader community in Art, Architecture and Design.
This engagement should be decentralised and focussed on grassroots movements - leaning into the colllegiate nature of our communities.
An in depth understanding of the social and cultural activity within Brisbane is required in order to understand how to better move forward. A review of existing programs, festivals, events, bodies, associations and other efforts is required.
-
Moving forward we must take greater care in incorporating indigenous knowledge and wisdom; remembering that the history of Brisbane precedes colonisation.
To better understand how we can utilise our resources in the future, we must review current sustainability efforts within Brisbane.
Through participation rather than spectatorship, Brisbane has the opportunity to be an environmental showcase. Our unique climate lends itself to particular typologies of design and living, this should be celebrated and promoted.
-
Design/Art /Architecture needs to infiltrate policy at all levels.
The community needs more advocacy at all levels of government, this way the shared value of our communities can be better articulated. Perhaps the appointment of a State Designer and Artist is necessary?
Better internal collaboration/communication between the Art/Architectural/Design communities.
Finalise UNESCO bid
Improve inter-sector collaborations across the realms of government initiatives eg. health sector, this can involve implementing a procurement policy that places Queensland firms/entities/artists at the forefront.
⁕ Community Should Leave
Common threads from the conversations about the legacy Brisbane’s Art/Architecture/Design
-
We must embrace the notion that Brisbane is a city that knows itself.
We need to leave a legacy that speaks to our unique climate and rich cultural heritage.
Through a unified approach we can help Brisbaners find pride in calling this city home.
-
Although this environment has tested us in the past, adaptability is a strength of Queenslanders that must be celebrated.
We must give back to the environment that shaped us . This can be in the form of urban green infrastructure, green corridors and reclamation of the river edge as a public space.
We need a visible embodiment of a community mind shift, a generational shift in attitude.
-
It is important to return agency to Brisbane artists/architects/designers. Procurement policies and shared economic benefits for traditional owners. Local only design and manufacturing, utilising Brisbane’s unique identity, embedded in place and country.
Local only design and manufacturing,
Moving away from reliance on government funding for the arts.
Legacy of created demand for good design. Expectations of quality and endurance rather than experience and lack of consideration.
A combination of these three disciplines leading to a greater lobbying effect with funding and policy making, to ensure carbon zero footprint initiatives and sustainable environmental standards and statements with commissions.
Design needs to infiltrate policy at all levels - the economics of design is not well understood, particularly with political leaders.
