Creative Cape Town

Every two years, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design selects a World Design Capital.

This WDC accolade acknowledges the will to invigorate one’s City through design, recognising effective and creative efforts to use design as a tool for progress. As the judges say: “A World Design Capital is not a status designator, rather a state of being. It is defined by the commitment that a city has made to use design to reinvent itself. Sustainable results or a commitment to develop the city are visible and a changing attitude is detectable.” Sound like Cape Town to you?

Torino in 2008, Seoul in 2010 and in 2012, either Eindhoven or Helsinki. Could Cape Town be 2014’s World Design Capital?

Shortlisted cities need to demonstrate their accomplishments and commitment to design as an effective tool for social, cultural and economic development. The city must be home to design professionals and agencies, showing an appreciation for communication design, industrial, interior and sustainable design initiatives, and there must be faculties in education institutions dedicated to the field. Architectural interest points and urban renewal and reconditioning projects that have transformed neighbourhoods are also relevant. Part of the application is a proposal for a year-long programme of design-related events that the City will run, if selected.

Zayd Minty, Creative Cape Town Coordinator, says: “Pitching for the World Design Capital 2014 title provides an opportunity for collective action that could re-invent our city. Our experience of bidding for a major event – the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ – will have taught us the potential for a range of diverse parties to work in concert towards a common goal. Let’s draw on our immense local resources, talent and infrastructure, and position Cape Town as a sustainable, inclusive and creative city to be reckoned with. Will you join us?”

See more on www.worlddesigncapital.com.

If you support the idea of Cape Town pitching for the World Design Capital 2014 and have ideas what we could be doing in the lead-up to our application, let us know below.