Celebrating the MECCA x NGV Women In Design Commission and the recent announcement of the 2025 recipient, Nipa Doshi, we invite you to enjoy a day of free programming in NGV’s Great Hall, featuring insightful conversations, an interactive workshop, DJ sets from XX and refreshments from Allpress Espresso and Monforte Viennoiserie.
Nipa Doshi is the fourth recipient of the MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, a major ongoing series that invites internationally renowned female designers and architects to create major new and significant work for the NGV Collection. Tatiana Bilbao (2022), Bethan Laura Wood (2023) and Christien Meindertsma (2024). The five-year series is enabled by a significant contribution from MECCA through its social change movement, M-POWER, which champions equality and opportunity for women and girls, including elevating women in art and design.
Nipa Doshi is an award-winning designer and co-founder of London based studio Doshi Levien with Jonathan Levien. Through her work, Nipa explores and celebrates the beauty, plurality and diversity of the world we live in. She believes design is a powerful tool to disrupt homogeneity and foster equal exchange between cultures and countries.
Born in Mumbai and raised in New Delhi, Nipa studied at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad where she developed a love not only for its iconic Modern architecture but also a deep appreciation for the ancient walled cities of India, rich in textiles and other Indian crafts. She went on to do an MA at the Royal College of Art in London where she met her partner Jonathan Levien.
Nipa and Jonathan established their studio Doshi Levien in 2000. The London based practice is internationally acclaimed for work that unites culture, technology, industrial design and fine craftsmanship.
For the 2025 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission, Doshi will create a never-before-seen piece of conceptual furniture, titled A Room of My Own, which will be unveiled at an exclusive exhibition at NGV International in Melbourne, Australia.
PROGRAM
10am–3pm: Scarf Design Workshop by Nipa Doshi
Visitors are invited to step into the world of Nipa Doshi to create a scarf using stamps and ink colours inspired by her geometric language and design. This scarf printing workshop encourages visitors to create a scarf inspired by, or in gift to, an important woman in their life. Workshop is suitable for ages 10+
Free, booking required
Book now
11–11.30am: In Conversation – Nipa Doshi with MECCA
Get to know 2025 recipient, Nipa Doshi as she sits down with MECCA to discuss the role of the Commission and the importance of furthering gender equality within design and architecture.
12.30–1.00pm: In Conversation – Broadcasting Creativity: The rise of design in the media
Join NGV Curator, Gemma Savio, in-conversation with industry experts and thought leaders on the rise of design in the media. Speakers to be revealed soon.
Gemma Savio
Gemma Savio is Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria. She is the former editor of Houses magazine and founding editor of Union magazine, which won the Bates Smart Award for architectural media in 2022. She has a breadth of industry perspective that is enriched by her academic research, writing and architectural practice. Gemma has contributed to leading architecture and design titles nationally including Architecture Australia and Artichoke. She was a Juror on the Adrian Ashton Prize for Architectural Culture and Literature in 2020, and has held representative positions with the Australian Institute of Architects.
Join NGV Curator, Simone LeAmon, for a Q&A with Nipa Doshi, to discuss her career, establishing Doshi Levien and recent works. There will also be a chance for visitors to ask questions.
Simone LeAmon
Simone LeAmon is Curator of Contemporary Design and Architecture at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). A curator, designer, artist, and educator for near to three decades, she is Adjunct Professor in the School of Design and Social Context, RMIT University and the recipient of the 2021 Good Designs Australia, Women in Design Award, for her life-long passion and unwavering dedication to the design profession in Australia.Since 2015, LeAmon has worked on an extensive program of exhibitions and events at NGV including the annual Melbourne Design Week (2017-23) and Melbourne Design Fair (2022-23). Exhibitions include: NGV Triennial (curatorium) (2017, 2020 & 2023); Melbourne Now (2013 & 2023); MECCA X NGV Women in Design Commission (2022 & 2023); History in the Making (2022); Rigg Design Prize (2015, 2018, 2022); Lucy McRae: Body Architect (2019); Black Bamboo: Contemporary Bamboo Furniture Design From Mer (2019); and Designing Women (2018).
2.30–2.45pm: Curator Talk – Christien Meindertsma
Join NGV Curator Gemma Savio to learn about the 2024 MECCA x NGV Women In Design Commission from Christien Meindertsma, First there was a mountain, 2024.
Meet: Level 2, NGV International
ACCESS
Everyone is welcome at the NGV. We offer a range of accessible resources, facilities, and events. For information, visit our Access webpage or contact us via email at programs@ngv.vic.gov.au or phone; 8620 2222 between 9am-5pm.
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