New meaning given to 21st Dulux Colour Awards

The 2007 Dulux Colour Awards are this year asking Australian interior designers, architects and students of design and architecture what colour means to them, and based on previous years the response is sure to be spectacular.

Judged by a panel of highly respected industry professionals, entrants this year will be vying for a prize pool of $25,000, including the overall Grand Prix prize valued at $17,000, an exciting Awards ceremony with industry dignitaries, and finalist works exhibited at designEX.

Already recognised as Australia's most prestigious program of its kind, the Dulux Colour Awards are committed to fostering and celebrating the creative use of colour in architecture and interior design, explains Dulux spokesperson, Ms Andrea Lucena-Orr.

"The Dulux Colour Awards acknowledge one single element in the overall creative process; colour. We are passionate about colour and we want to reward those who share our passion. Over the years, the Awards have developed a high level of regard amongst industry professionals who appreciate recognition for their outstanding treatment and application of colour," said Ms Lucena-Orr.

Synonymous with some of the most inspired and talented architectural and interior design projects in the country, the Dulux Colour Awards provide an opportunity for the country's design talent to be acknowledged and applauded by their peers. Over the past two decades the Awards have augmented the profile of several budding designers, all of whom are now established and at the pinnacle of their profession.

Those attracted to previous Dulux Colour Awards include Denton Corker Marshall, John Wardle, Nonda Katsalidis, McBride Charles Ryan, Bligh Voller Nield, Woods Bagot, Six Degrees and Kerstin Thompson Architects, all of whom have been rewarded by Dulux for their excellence in colour innovation and design. Whose name will join this esteemed company in 2007?

The level of distinction is also reflected in next year's impressive judging panel, including Abbie Galvin, Principal Bligh Voller Nield and Tim O'Sullivan, Principal Multiplicity. In a surprise move, Dulux is expected to shortly announce a third and final high-profile judge from the UK. All three panel members are renowned for pushing the boundaries with colour exploration and experimentation; attributes that endeared them immediately to Dulux.

"We are thrilled to have such admired local industry representatives on board for 2007 judging and we're excited about announcing our international guest shortly. Peer recognition and praise is valued in any industry and we imagine most entrants would welcome the opportunity to have their project appraised by three highly-respected individuals," said Ms Lucena-Orr.

A first-round panel of judges - comprising Dulux Colour Design experts - will short-list 2007 entrants. The Dulux Colour Design group is responsible for monitoring and forecasting global colour trends and therefore plays a crucial role in maintaining Dulux's position as Australia's colour leader.

The 21st Dulux Colour Awards will also introduce some exciting new elements to the 2007 program.

Based around the Meaning of Colour, entrants will be required to submit their project along with a rationale outlining the significance of their colour palette selection.

"Although certain colours are symbolic, we believe that ultimately colour is very much a subjective process. This new requirement provides entrants with the opportunity to communicate the reasoning behind their colour choices and to perhaps articulate new meaning behind their project," said Ms Lucena-Orr.

The Dulux Colour Awards ceremony, held in February 2007, is set to raise some industry eyebrows.

"We've done away with intimate gatherings of the past and instead we're planning quite an elaborate event that will celebrate the combined talent of all finalists. Unlike previous years, winners will not be announced until the event. We will then showcase finalist submissions for several days following the Awards in an effort to expose designs to the general public and other interested parties," explained Ms Lucena-Orr.

As part of Dulux's sponsorship of IDA's Colour in Commercial Interior Design and Colour in Residential Interior Design Awards, Dulux Colour Award entries will be automatically entered into the IDA Awards free of charge. In addition, finalists in the Dulux Colour Awards will be showcased at designEX in 2007.

The 2007 Dulux Colour Awards include $25,000 in prizes. The Grand Prix winner will not only receive $2,000, but also a money-cannot-buy experience comprising a return business class international airfare and five days' accommodation as part of an invaluable vocational experience. Designed to appeal to the winner's creative spirit, the experience will also provide invaluable networking opportunities.

"The 21st anniversary is set to take these Awards to a colourful new level. We are confident that the combination of illustrious judges, aspirational prizes and the promise of showcasing finalists both during our own post-Awards exhibition and at designEX will inspire current design leaders as well as the next wave of Australian talent," said Ms Lucena-Orr. Please visit www.dulux.com.au for entry forms or e-mail dca@couture.com.au.