Mini bites of DI2011

21 Feb 2011

The entertainment at the 2011 Design Indaba (23-27 February 2011) offers music, comedy, fashion, short films and Pecha Kucha presentations (short bite-size exposés). The official car supplier, Mini, will not only sponsor the Most Beautiful Object in South Africa (MBOISA) award but will also supply 25 Mini Countryman vehicles.

The Mini Countryman, launched last year, is a four-door, large tailgate model also available with ALL4 all-wheel drive.

"Our aim is to promote the exceptional talent we have in this country, hence our sponsorship of the MBOISA award. Authentic design is very important to our brand," says Karen Valle, GM of Mini at BMW South Africa.

The brand will also provide visitors to the Design Indaba Expo 2011 further opportunity to interact with its design by creating their own unique Minis. "Just visit the MBOISA stand and you will witness its iconic status, based on more than 50 years of creativity in design and communication."

DStv Arena rocks

The DStv Event Arena presents day-long programmes where visitors will have unlimited all-day access to the shows.

Headlining the comedy offering are Nik Rabinowitz and John Vlismas, with musical support from Lindiwe Suttle, DJ Biggy, Liz Ogumbo and Liquid Sax in the DStv so much more performances.

Hosted by the Cape Town Fashion Council, eight daily fashion shows include local trendsetters and statement-makers David West, Stefania Morland, Doreen Southwood, baie nice, Black Coal, The Summit, Christopher Sprong and Coppelia.

Keeping inspiration short and bite-sized, the 20-slides-for-20-seconds Pecha Kucha presentations are always fun. Some of the highlights on this year's line-up include art gallerist David Krut, Cape Town marketing manager Lianne Burton, up-and-coming designer Daniel Ting Chong, artist Paul du Toit and documentary maker Dylan Valley.

Trends, aesthetics for exhibitors, VIPS

Expo exhibitors and VIP buyers will have the exclusive opportunity to hear Lowery Stokes Sims and Dr Leslie Hammond, curators of The Global Africa Project, on the search for an African aesthetic. Another exclusive will be a look into the future with trends and events analyst, Alison Morris from leading global insight service WGSN.