New $50K Australian design commission announced

Sydney's Powerhouse Museum and David Jones have unveiled the $50,000 Australian Design Commission, which offers a unique opportunity for one talented designer to create a prototype for a product that embodies the future of the Australian home.

Set to launch in August 2025, this prestigious commission invites a designer to explore the rich design history of the David Jones archive, a treasure trove of Australian design spanning nearly two centuries. With the full support of Powerhouse Museum and David Jones, the selected designer will receive $50,000 to bring their vision to life over a nine-month period. In addition to financial backing, the designer will benefit from invaluable curatorial expertise, mentorship, access to the Powerhouse Collection, and workshop space.

The culmination of the commission will be the creation of a prototype, set to be unveiled in 2026 at David Jones' Elizabeth Street store in Sydney. The designer will collaborate closely with the retailer on a special window display, offering a public debut of their new creation.

This commission builds on the ongoing collaboration between Powerhouse and David Jones, which began with the donation of the David Jones archive to the Powerhouse in 2024. This partnership ensures that the archive will be preserved, celebrated, and remain a touchstone for future generations of designers.

The commission is open to Australian-based designers, with submissions being accepted until 5pm on May 4, 2025. The recipient will be announced in July 2025