5/08/04
A unique exhibition, showcasing some of Western Australia's best artists and craftspeople, will be launched this evening in King Street, Perth.
Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens said the DesignXchange Exhibition at FORM: Contemporary Design Centre would promote the State's local fine wood and furniture industries from WA's Great Southern and South-West Regions.
"This exhibition will have many positive spin-offs," Mr Stephens said.
"It will help raise awareness of the beauty of WA timber, the skills of regional craftspeople and the quality of our world-class furniture products.
"Expanding markets for these will create job and training opportunities and stimulate business growth and exports.
"The State Government is very keen to see the craft wood industry grow as part of a more sustainable future for communities in our timber regions."
The Government has committed more than $155,000 to FORM: Contemporary Design Centre through the Western Australian Regional Initiatives Scheme (WARIS), part of the Government's four-year $75million Regional Investment Fund.
"This funding will help develop a marketing strategy and commercial network for the regional fine wood makers in the Peel, South-West and Great Southern regions," the Minister said.
"It has also assisted the establishment of a website http://www.designingfutures.com.au and a forum for craftspeople to meet with other leading international artists."
In addition, the Department of Industry and Resources had allocated $160,000 to help FORM develop a new retail outlet, currently under construction at Kings Park, to market the State's fine craft.
The DesignXchange Project had been a collaboration between FORM, Curtin University Design School and fine wood workers in the Great Southern and South-West.
Minister's office: 9213 6500
