Canberra to host international sport and design festival

Edward O'Daly

Esther Bottomley shows how design has made it easier for skiers to train Photo: Andrew Sikorsky

7 November 2006: An unusual boat race on Lake Burley Griffin and a cross country skier training in blazing sunshine helped launch next year's sport themed Canberra Biennial last week.

The very different designs of a rowing scull and a racing kayak went head-to-head as two University of Canberra students - recent world championship rowing bronze medallist Sarah Cook and top kayaker Mark Halpin - did battle on the lake.

Temperatures in the high 20s gave Australia's number one cross country ski sprinter, University graphic design student Esther Bottomley, a rare taste of summer as she showed how design - special 'roller skis' and in line skates - allowed her to do 'ski-specific' training in all weathers.

The Canberra Biennial: City of Architecture and Design was initiated by the University in 2005 and is a partnership with the National Capital Authority and the ACT Planning and Land Authority. The Biennial aims to reflect and promote Canberra's status as an international, designed city and as a centre for ideas, innovation and design.

Vice-Chancellor Roger Dean said next year's theme of 'Winning by design' reflected the University's excellence in design and sport.

"Whether it's in design or sport, our staff and students are able to compete with the best in the world," Professor Dean said.

"As the university of Australia's national capital, the University of Canberra is proud to bring this international festival of design and architecture to our great city.

"There are many opportunities for business and the wider community to get involved in the biennial and I invite the community to join us in this exciting endeavour."

National Capital Authority chief executive Annabelle Pegrum said the launch - exactly a year ahead of the 2007 Canberra Biennial - gave the community plenty of time to get behind the event.

"The 2007 Canberra Biennial is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the national capital to the world and the nation as a thriving city which demonstrates innovative planning, design and architecture," Ms Pegrum said.

"Next year's theme taps into our city's strength as a centre for sporting excellence and innovation. The 2007 Canberra Biennial will spark the interest of the wider community by showing how design can influence every aspect of our lives."

Neil Savery, chief planning executive of the ACT Planning and Land Authority, said the 2007 Biennial would build on the success of last year's inaugural biennial to establish the festival as one of Canberra's signature events.

"The second Canberra Biennial will help consolidate on this unique concept in Canberra's calendar of events," Mr Savery said.

"It is appropriate that a city which enjoys the design inheritance that Canberra has seeks to promote the role that all forms of design play in our daily lives. As the theme of this event illustrates, design has many broad applications and evolves as advances in technology lead to innovation."

Contributing to Australia's cultural capital:

The Biennial's evening launch was one of four cultural events supported or run by the University last Wednesday night.

The others were:

• the Canberra International Film Festival
• the Cool Wines exhibition, at Kamberra Winery
• the Creative showcase, in the UC Innovation Centre

The University also hosted two major music events on consecutive weekends:

• Stonefest on 27 and 28 October
• Metal for the Brain on 4 November

Missed the launch?
Check out our gallery from the evening event