National Gallery of Victoria has announced a new series of major commissions which will feature significant work by internationally renowned female designers and architects.

The five-year series, made possible by a significant contribution from cosmetics retailer Mecca, aims to champion and uplift women in art and design.

The gallery made the announcement on International Women’s Day in 2022 and also revealed that Mexican architect Tatiana Bilbao had been commissioned for the inaugural exhibition, which will be unveiled in September. The gallery intends to reveal commissioned designers each year on International Women’s Day.

“Tatiana Bilbao is a compelling voice that breaks out of the traditional canon of architecture, offering a unique perspective on both its history and its future. A North American woman, advocate and spokesperson for change, Bilbao creates work that is as intellectually rigorous as it is visually dynamic,” said Tony Ellwood, Director of NGV.

Bilbao established Tatiana Bilbao Studio in 2004, based in Mexico City. His work covers a number of typologies ranging from institutional to residential and social housing, including urban planning and landscaping. She was an adviser to the Department of Development and Housing of the Government of the Federal District of Mexico.

Her studio focuses on challenging historical conventions and creating more inclusive, people-centered spaces. She often collaborates with other architects, artists, communities, as well as business people to enrich the culture and built landscape of Mexico.

She exhibited at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale and has also been collected by the Center Pompidou in Paris and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Bilbao often uses collage, drawing and model making in his work and his commission for the NGV will create a large-scale installation that will combine textiles and architectural structure.

“I am deeply honored and grateful to have been chosen for the Women in Design Commission by NGV and Makkah. been excluded from opportunities. When I was chosen, I took this responsibility very seriously and I am truly grateful for this opportunity.

The Mecca x NGV Women in Design Commission will provide a platform for topical works and world premieres. “The ongoing Women in Design Commission will highlight the groundbreaking work of women in this field from Australia and around the world, as well as strengthening the NGV collection for future generations,” said Ellwood.

Mecca’s contribution is the largest the company has made to an Australian cultural institution.

The Mecca x NGV Women in Design 2022 commission will open in September 2022 and end in March 2023.