A week of creative focus in Cape Town

The expo was classy, beautiful, inspiring, novel, talented, innovative and every other adjective you can think of. A scheduling mix-up with the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) last year meant that the expo was held before the annual conference – usually the two overlap. This meant a week of design in Cape Town for the organisers to capitalise on, despite the sudden rain and cloud that moved in over the Mother City yesterday.

From young designers to jewelry innovation, fashion shows, student statements and showcases sponsored by the Department of Trade and Industry and the development agency for the creative industries in the Western Cape, there was lots to see, buy and interact with, people and exhibition stalls both. And a strong focus this year – like last year was sustainable design with a green-friendly focus and options for sustainable living like the home in a container and furniture from recycled materials. Not too much in the way of energy-saving ideas though… a stronger theme for next year perhaps?

Bizcommunity.com's place in the sun

Bizcommunity.com, a media partner annually, also created our little spot in the sun, complete with grass, funky red seating to represent our red nine ‘dot' interconnected logo and Bizcommunity.com-branded umbrellas on the patios at the CTICC on fake grass high up above the city.

A design gallery

The Design Indaba annual expo showcased a range of designs and creative work across fashion, home wear, furniture, jewellery, craft, and products for sustainable living.

Have a look at our gallery pics from the expo, featuring amongst others, work from the Western Cape department of economic development presented a multi-media stand at the Design Indaba expo to showcase the creative industries and artists from around the Western Cape. The creative industries – from the visual arts to craft to the performing arts – has been earmarked as a growth area in the province; the Department of Arts and Culture is a strong sponsor and supporter of Design Indaba each year, showcasing indigenous design and work on its stand at the expo.

For more:

• [Design Indaba] The disease of marketing-driven design [blog post]
  
• [Design Indaba: Food, glorious food [blog post]
  
• [Design Indaba]: See Louise run. See Louise type [blog post]
  
• Design Indaba galleries