Queensland Premier and Minister for Reconstruction Anna Bligh has called for entries to the 2011 Queensland Premier’s Design Awards.

Emerging and established Queensland designers are encouraged to enter for the chance to be awarded a $40 000 Fellowship (for a design leader) and a $10 000 travel bursary (for an emerging designer).

“Queensland has a vibrant, rapidly growing design sector and many of the state’s talented designers and design firms are establishing national and international reputations for creativity and innovation,” the Premier said.

“These awards are about recognising some of the best work coming out of Queensland and celebrating the talent in our State.”

The Smart State Design Fellowship recognises the contributions of an individual to developing a design culture in Queensland. Last year’s winner, Alexander Lotersztain of design studio derlot, has work on permanent display at the Pompidou Museum in Paris; his work on Brisbane’s Limes Hotel has also received much acclaim.

The Emerging Design Leader Award allows a rising designer to travel to attend an international design event. Last year’s winner Kent Gration travelled to 100% Shanghai as part of a cultural exchange promoting environmental and sociological design in the Asia Pacific region.

Entries to the 2011 Queensland Premier’s Design Award are now open, and will close on 29 April 2011. Visit the Arts Queensland website for more information and nomination guidelines.

Good luck, Queensland designers!