August is design time in Sydney. As part of the events, UNSW's COFA is hosting its inaugural design festival during Sydney Design.

In the COFA Design Festival, staff, students and alumni, as well as internationally acclaimed designers from the US, UK and New Zealand, will present exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

One of the key events is an exhibition of work from a new group, known as RED (Research in Experimental Design) Objects, which is made up of six artists, designers and researchers at COFA.

"What brings us together is that all our work critiques norms and standards in design that contribute to environmental and socio-cultural problems," says Katherine Moline, senior lecturer in the School of Design Studies at COFA.

"This area is very big in Europe and the US, but this intersection between craft, art and design is far less well known here," she says. "It's frowned on in some scholarly contexts, but that is changing."

Works includes those by renowned textile designer and the head of School of Design Studies, Liz Williamson.

Other highlights of the festival include:

What: COFA Design FestivalWhen: 2-19 AugustWhere: COFA, Cnr Oxford St and Greens Rd, Paddington

Media contact: Susi Hamilton, UNSW media unit | 0422 934 024