The City of Greater Geelong invites Expressions of Interest from designers to join the Design Commons Resident Designer Program, a 12-month residency located in the newly established Design Commons at Geelong Town Hall.

As a UNESCO City of Design, Geelong is committed to supporting design, creativity and innovation and building a more sustainable, resilient and inclusive future.

The residency provides designers with dedicated workspace, shared facilities and a supportive environment to develop their individual practice through research, experimentation, prototyping and the development of new ideas and work.

Residents will work alongside a cohort of designers from different disciplines, creating opportunities to exchange knowledge, explore new perspectives, develop skills and collaborate across practices and industries.

Residents will receive access to studio space, shared maker facilities, peer exchange, professional development opportunities and connections with the broader design community.

We welcome applications from designers working across disciplines 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 should demonstrate a strong design practice, a meaningful connection to Greater Geelong, an interest in innovation and experimentation, and a willingness to contribute to a positive and collaborative shared environment.

Applicants may also identify opportunities to connect with local communities, industry, education and other sectors, or to develop collaborative or public-facing projects where relevant to their practice.

Applications will be assessed through a competitive EOI process. Assessment will consider the quality and potential of the applicant's design practice, the potential for practice development through the residency, connection to Greater Geelong, collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange, innovation and experimentation, and residency participation and feasibility.

The City may also consider the overall composition of the resident cohort to support a strong mix of design disciplines, career stages, perspectives and approaches.