The Indonesian Australian Design Futures was a collaborative project that seeks to build design relationships between Australia and Indonesia. Led by DAB’s Dr Alexandra Crosby, the initiative was comprised of a series of design exchanges in which designers, design researchers and design students from both locations came together to engage in design studios, build collaborative relationships, share their creative practice and contribute to important issues impacting the discipline of design. These exchanges also probed deeper social and political issues, such as the colonial nature of global conversations about design, global public health challenges, and water security. As well as challenging Australians to broaden their knowledge of the Asia Pacific region, the work also aimed to deliver design-based solutions and processes that shape just and sustainable futures.

Researcher: Dr Alexandra Crosby

Funders: Australia-Indonesia Institute, Cumberland Council (2016), New Columbo Plan (2016 and 2017-18)

Collaboration: Singgih Kartono (Magno Designs), Sapu Designs, Jessica Lea Dunn (Life As Creative), Kirsten Bradley (Milkwood Permaculture), Clare Cooper (Frontyard Projects), Vital Strategies Indonesia, Aris Prabawa.