Creative Cape Town

Every two years, the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) selects a World Design Capital, in recognition of a city’s effective and creative efforts to use design as a tool for progress. As the ICSID 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.”

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

Cape Town Partnership is coordinating the bid on behalf of the City of Cape Town. On 21 June 2011, Cape Town was shortlisted together with Dublin and Bilbao for the title. A final decision on who the winning city is will be communicated in Taipei in October 2011.

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; must show an appreciation for communication, 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™ – has 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?”

To find out more about the bid and to register your support, please visit www.capetown2014.co.za, join our Facebook fan page and follow Creative Cape Town’s Twitter feed. You can download the “I support Cape Town” button on the website, which also contains relevant abstracts from the bid book.