Why the Environmental Art & Design Prize matters to judge and designer Adam Goodrum

The state of the environment and our impact on it as humans is confronting daily news. But how can we move from a sense of fear and dread, to one of hope and optimism?

To answer this, we sat down to chat with industrial designer Adam Goodrum who will be one of three judges for this year’s Environmental Art & Design Prize.

Goodrum says artists and designers are agents of change, often taking the lead in responding to environmental or societal challenges.

“The role of creatives is to influence, educate, expose, challenge and generate solutions.

Contributions can be intangible and elicit an exchange of ideas and emotions or they might consider materiality and production,” says Goodrum thoughtfully.

“At the core, contributions should be inventive, to address societal needs through creative work.”

Goodrum knows that in 2023 designers are working hard to find solutions to the global problems of waste and climate change. They’re taking more responsibility upon their shoulders to design low carbon emitting buildings, working on legislation to mandate green buildings and competing in awards to make products that are beautiful but can fulfil their part in the circular economy.

From the design of low carbon outdoor furniture using local waste products, to a DIY air purifier, to furniture manufactured from biobased materials – Goodrum knows that design can help to solve one of the great global problems of the industrial age: plastic waste.

“I'm interested in the nexus of art and design in my own practice, so it's exciting to see work from a platform that purposefully promotes this.”

Having worked at the top of his field since graduation, Adam Goodrum knows the challenges and rewards of designing to a higher purpose. 

This year, the Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize unites a power panel of judges. They include contemporary artist Caroline Rothwell, industrial designer Adam Goodrum and First Nations Curator Emily McDaniel.

With an eye on all nine categories, but with a particular interest in wearable design and functional design, Adam Goodrum will take his place on the judging panel as a design expert.

Goodrum has a long list of achievements and is widely considered to be working at the coal face of design that forges a truly identifiable Australian design aesthetic. Goodrum says he is excited to judge the award.

“The last ten years in particular have seen a maturation in our local Australian design industry enabling work with local manufacturers who produce ethically using sustainable materials and small production runs to support non-wastage and longevity of design. This transparency and lower carbon footprint from domestic production as well as its contribution to the strengthening voice of Australian design is immensely satisfying.”

Follow the prize, its finalists and the final exhibition to find out more about how art and design can empower us.

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