Arts and Culture creates a platform for emerging designers at the Design Indaba
The Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) continues its support for young designers through the Emerging Creatives Programme, a partnership between the Department and the Design Indaba. The programme was established in 2005 and it aims to nurture new talent and afford young designers an opportunity to showcase their work on an international platform. The Design Indaba Expo is held annually in Cape Town, the 2014 edition took place from 28 February to 2 March 2014. The DAC provides financial support for 40 young designers to participate in this dynamic platform.
The Emerging Creatives Programme focuses on design students enrolled at tertiary institutions and young designers who already own design businesses. The DAC also supports the Young Designer’s Simulcast Programme which offers design students and other youth with an opportunity to view the proceedings from the main plenary at a discounted rate by means of a live broadcast. The simulcasts are shown for the duration of the Expo at various venues in the country namely: Cape Town International Convention Centre, University of Johannesburg (FADA Auditorium), Northwest University (GKSA Auditorium) Port Elizabeth (Athenaeum Ford Little Theatre) and Durban (Blue Waters Hotel).
The 40 young designers who successfully enter the programme are offered a one-day workshop before the expo that offers them business support which includes branded exhibition stalls, marketing material, managing sales and networking. The package also includes accommodation, transport and daily stipend. The Department is excited to further announce that 8 designers who were not successful to be part of the Emerging Creatives Programme in 2013 received mentorship from different design companies and have consequently qualified to participate at this year’s programme.
Many young designers who participated in the programme attribute their accomplishments to this programme. These include Andile Dyalvane of Imiso Ceramics and Laduma Ngxokolo of Maxhosa who have since been able to showcase their work internationally.
The Department will continue to support developing talent through the Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy in an effort to kindle the creative economy.
For further information visit www.designindaba.com
