Media Release: Africa's First International Design Fair Launches In Cape Town

Presenting at the beginning of World Design Capital 2014, GUILD will bring together limited edition design, from celebrated global galleries and institutions, for the first time in Africa.

Founded by Trevyn and Julian McGowan, leading global proponents of African design through their Southern Guild and Design Network Africa platforms, GUILD explores the theme of 'making’ at an elevated, collectible level. The impressive GUILD exhibitor lineup spans 17 countries, 9 global voices and 4 continents. Pioneering, hand crafted design pieces, from around the world, return to the birthplace of 'the first manmade object' produced 100 000 years ago.

“More than just a fair for beautiful objects, GUILD represents the coming together of dedicated, focused curators, designers and institutions who are striving to preserve and provoke exceptional, groundbreaking design,” says Trevyn McGowan. “GUILD will introduce highly respected design authorities and work from Africa, USA, South America, Britain and Europe, and present these unique viewpoints to a fresh audience.”

 “Cape Town’s designation as World Design Capital – the first African city to hold the title – will draw increased global attention to the growing relevance and emerging creativity of the continent,” says Trevyn. “Craft is very old in Africa, but design is very young. Part of the global appeal of contemporary South African and African design is that it’s unfettered, imaginative and energetic. The work has an underlying passion, a beat and a pulse. Taking South African design to the world has given us an opportunity to see who we are within this international forum.”

With the recent announcement of a partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz to create Africa's first major Museum of Contemporary Art, this iconic visitor attraction is fast establishing itself as a key destination to share the cultural artefacts and ideas of Africa with the world.

Over the course of 11 days (27.02.14 – 09.0314), GUILD will transform The Lookout at the V&A Waterfront (Granger Bay) into a vibrant hub of design activity, community and conversation – attracting both serious collectors and design lovers. In addition to the gallery exhibits, there will be an interactive programme of talks and workshops, educational curator tours, performance art happenings and a variety of associated functions and events. More than 10 000 visitors are expected to attend.

GUILD 2014 EXHIBITORS

GUILD’s list of participating galleries and individuals includes some of the most respected names in the international design world:

·         Nacho Carbonell, Holland – GUILD Featured Designer for 2014

·         R 20th Century, New York

·         Rossana Orlandi, Italy

·         V&A Museum And The British Council, UK

·         Coletivo Amor de Madre, Brazil

·         Agents of the 3D Revolution, Global

·         Origins Centre, South Africa

·         Southern Guild, South Africa

·         Design Network Africa, African Continent

From The Desk of: Nicole Ogle | Nicole@onpointpr.co.za | On Point PR