This year has been a very special year for the guild, as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the APDG awards. Congratulations to all our nominees and award recipients, what dazzling display of talent and amazing work! More congratulations are due to Rebecca Whittington (APDG Business Manager), Michael Rumpf (Queensland Chair) and Queensland colleagues who put together our first virtual awards ceremony, a mighty effort.
Highlights of the event were the awarding of the Cameron Creswell Outstanding Contribution to Design Award to Catherine Martin APDG. Catherine’s body of work in screen and live performance is both outstanding and inspirational – she has certainly fulfilled the requirements of the award by raising the profile of design and designer here and globally. Brian Cox picked up the Canal Road Artisan Lifetime Achievement award. Brain has a long and illustrious career in special effects. His contribution and support of production designers and design, on a long list of productions is legendary, congratulations Brian.
I also congratulate our emerging designers, who were not only nominated in greater numbers, but were deserving winners. They are a very active group in the business of the guild, bringing energy and fresh ideas. The future of the guild and design looks set for bigger and better things.
Talking of the future, Making a Scene is the guilds next big project. This will be an exhibition of design, featuring the work of design practitioners. A very exciting project, that I for one, can’t wait to see come to fruition.
As the festive season approaches, I’m glad to see our colleagues in live performance are at last, after two horrendous years, seeing the lights going up in theatres and venues all over Australia.
Wishing you the best for the holiday season and most of all, a Covid-free New Year.
– George
