Powerhouse and David Jones Australian Design Commission
The Powerhouse and David Jones Australian Design Commission invests in the next generation of Australian designers by providing them with the opportunity to design a prototype of a new product for the contemporary Australian home.
The Powerhouse and David Jones Australian Design Commission will award an Australian designer A$50,000 and a 9-month opportunity to design a prototype for David Jones.
The successful designer will receive support from both institutions — including access to the Powerhouse Collection and the museum’s workshop, along with mentorship and retail support from David Jones.
The prototype will be featured in a window display at the David Jones Elizabeth St store in Sydney. The successful applicant will be announced in July 2026.
If you have further questions contact initiatives@powerhouse.com.au.
KEY DATES
- Interviews and assessments July 2026
- Successful design commission informed August 2026
- Design commission commencement September 2026
- Design commission completion June 2027
Powerhouse and David Jones Australian Design Commission
A A$50,000 award and 9-month opportunity for Australian designers to design a contemporary product for the home.
Previous Recipient
About David Jones
David Jones is Australia's leading premium department store retailer. The iconic department store first opened its doors in 1838 with the mission to sell the best and most exclusive goods. David Jones has 41 locations across Australia and New Zealand as well as davidjones.com in Australia and is the oldest continuously operating department store in the world still trading under its original name.
The David Jones Archive includes thousands of artefacts and documents, some dating back to as early as the 1830s, representing David Jones' remarkable history — a history that is embedded into the cultural and social identity of Australia.
The archive has been cared for by David Jones since its inception 186 years ago and now this generous and internationally significant donation to the Powerhouse Museum will ensure its digitised, exhibited, researched and accessible in perpetuity.
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