CODE Souvenir to shine a spotlight on local design and creative industries

More than 30 local businesses have been chosen to feature in the CODE Souvenir Geelong catalogue in 2021.

CODE Souvenir is a curated catalogue of locally designed products aimed at business events, tourism, retail and corporate gift markets.

The initiative aims to boost economic opportunities for the region’s creative industries by promoting talented local makers and producers, connecting them with new markets, and encouraging entrepreneurship.

CODE Souvenir has been led by the City of Greater Geelong as part of the UNESCO Creative City of Design initiative.

City of Greater Geelong Acting Mayor Trent Sullivan said Geelong would join other international Cities of Design such Montreal and Dundee, which have had great success with the initiative.

“CODE Souvenir Geelong is an exciting concept that boosts the profile of products designed right here in our region by talented local makers, artists and producers, as well as connecting them to commercial and retail buyers,” Cr Sullivan said.

“As a clever and creative city, we are confident that Geelong’s catalogue will pave the way for locally designed products to make their way across the world.”

“This will also provide an important way to further support the recovery of creative industries, which have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

CODE products are thoughtfully designed and crafted; the products are high-quality souvenirs that range from practical household items to luxe fashion accessories.

The City called out for submissions in November of last year, with the successful applicants selected in late December.

CODE Souvenir Geelong will feature locally designed products including handcrafted jewellery, glass and ceramics, artisan food and drinks, unique clothing, homewares and original artworks.

Product categories to be featured in CODE Souvenir Geelong:

  • Home living and décor
  • Indigenous designed products
  • Books and stationery
  • Art
  • Luggage, travel and personal storage
  • Jewellery, fashion and accessories
  • Food and wine

The CODE Souvenir catalogue will launch during Geelong Design Week in March this year.

‘CODE’ is an acronym for City of Design and is an original concept developed by fellow UNESCO City of Design, Montreal.