Melbourne has been selected as the inaugural host city for the Link Festival of Design, Technology and Social Change, a collaborative two day forum led by a group of Australian not-for-profit and social enterprises.

Hosted by Co-Design Studio, Architects without Frontiers, Engineers without Borders, Indigenous Architects Victoria, and Artbox, the event will showcase and explore new ways of creating positive change through social innovation, from designing sustainable cities to humanitarian technologies.

The Festival will bring together 400 emerging and established leaders in community development and design thinking to share ideas and collaborate on the topic of humanitarian technology and design for social change.

“It’s time for new ways of thinking to tackle some of the great challenges facing Australia and the world,” said Julian O’Shea, Link Festival Director.

Reflecting its focus on community and design, Link Festival will be held in the heart of Melbourne at the Deakin Edge and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image in Federation Square.

International and local speakers with experience in creating social change will be featured during the Festival. Keynote speakers include the founder for the Barefoot College, Bunker Roy; Melbourne priest, Father Bob Maguire; and the co-founder of the Co-Design Studio, Lucinda Hartley.

Interactive workshops will also be held to spark enthusiasm and generate powerful ideas. These include ‘The Pitch’, whereby Australian social entrepreneurs will pitch their existing and emerging programs to a panel of leading social innovators, and Career How-To’s.

“We know that young progressionals are seeking opportunities to get involved in social change projects,” says O’Shea.

“Link Festival shows you exactly how to turn your skills into social change.”

The event will be held on 25 and 26th November. To purchase tickets or find out more, please visit www.linkfestival.com.au.

Geraldine Chua

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