Expressions of Interest for the 2027 Design Commons Resident Designer Program are now closed.

The City of Greater Geelong has completed an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process to identify designers for the inaugural Design Commons Resident Designer Program, a 12-month residency based within the newly established Design Commons at Geelong Town Hall. Successful residents will be announced in 2027.

As a UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is committed to supporting design, creativity and innovation while fostering a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive future. The Resident Designer Program has been developed to support designers to advance their practice through research, experimentation, prototyping and the development of new ideas and work.

Through the EOI process, designers from a broad range of disciplines were invited to apply, including architecture, urban design, product design, industrial design, digital design, communication design, social design, service design, environmental design, fashion and textiles, materials innovation, creative technology and design research.

Applicants were assessed on the strength and potential of their design practice, their connection to Greater Geelong, their interest in innovation and experimentation, and their willingness to contribute to a positive and collaborative shared environment. Consideration was also given to opportunities for engagement with local communities, industry, education and other sectors, as well as the potential for collaborative or public-facing projects.

The residency will provide selected designers with dedicated studio space, access to shared maker facilities, peer exchange opportunities, professional development and connections to the broader design community. Residents will work alongside a diverse cohort of designers, creating opportunities to share knowledge, develop new skills, explore different perspectives and collaborate across disciplines and industries.

Applications have been assessed through a competitive selection process. Alongside the quality of individual applications, consideration has been given to the overall composition of the resident cohort to ensure a diverse mix of design disciplines, career stages, perspectives and approaches.

The successful Resident Designers will be announced in 2027.