Object: Australian Design Centre has been awarded an accommodation grant for three street-level showrooms at 101-111 and 113-115 William Street, which it will use for its dynamic exhibitions, workshops, events and education programs.

The space is already home to a range of emerging and established creative tenants, including renowned fashion label Romance Was Born and global co-working organisation Hub Sydney, as well as the City’s first artist live/work spaces.

Object will take up the last available tenancy in the two buildings, completing the now thriving creative enterprise.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the agreement would bolster Darlinghurst’s creative community and further boost the area’s strong design credentials.

“For nearly 50 years, Object has been at the forefront of the Australian design industry, showcasing everything from handmade jewellery to sustainable architecture and the latest in cutting-edge digital technologies,” the Lord Mayor said.

“It is a major coup to welcome Object into our creative hub on William Street, and we look forward to seeing what new projects emerge from this unique opportunity.”

Object was established in 1965 and has long played a vital role in showcasing Australia’s best designers to both the local community and international audiences. The centre spent its first 40 years in The Rocks and Circular Quay, followed by a decade at the St Margaret’s complex in Surry Hills.

From its new home base on William Street, Object’s programs will continue to reach around Australia. Between 2010 and 2016, Object’s touring exhibitions will travel to over 40 venues across the country, from major venues such as the Melbourne Museum and the State Library of Queensland, to regional centres such as the Western Plains Cultural Centre in Dubbo and Bunbury Regional Art Gallery in Western Australia.

Object’s director, Steven Pozel, said: “We’re delighted to launch Object’s new space as part of the City’s creative hub and as part of our 50th anniversary celebrations.

“The space will be a dynamic public venue surrounded by the density, cultural diversity and creativity of Darlinghurst, Surry Hills and Sydney’s CBD.

“By propelling Object onto the street front, our new venue will allow a citywide conversation at the speed of culture.

“We’re looking forward to continuing to present a multi-layered program of exhibitions, workshops, events and learning programs to diverse audiences, to support and showcase Australia’s remarkable design sector.”

Object is expected to move into the ground floor showrooms of the William Street properties early next year following the completion of building upgrades which are currently underway.

Object
object.com.au

City of Sydney
cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au