How can circular design interrupt and divert the systems of production and use that dominate how we consume? How much scope does ethical and sustainable design have for change in a society that still operates under capitalist systems?

This panel discussion featured hyperlocal designers and makers as they shared their approaches to practicing circular design principles. Facilitated by curator Ineke Dane, panellists include architect Emma Healy, fashion designer Maria Nelson Molloy and Clare Kennedy, representing design studio Five Mile Radius, whose work features in An Alternative Economics.

An Alternative Economics brings together a group of Australian and international artists who each use their artmaking to explore and expand on the creation of value. Guided by the idea of the circular economy and its compelling counter-narrative to the untenable model of eternal growth, each work in this exhibition offers a provocation to make us reconsider what is ‘counted’ in our society and why.

This event was produced in collaboration with the Emerging Architects and Graduate Network QLD.