Cape Town is World Design Capital 2014

WORDS: Remy Raitt | PHOTOS: Fay Jackson

Cape Town has done it! We beat Dublin and Bilbao for the title of World Design Capital 2014.

VISI was confident that the Mother City would clinch it, so we commissioned graffiti artist Mak1One from SJ Artists to spray us a celebratory mural. Once we heard the good news, Mak1One quickly did the finishing touches to the bright-yellow piece.

An announcement party was held at 6am this morning at the Field Office in Cape Town. City officials, the bid committee, designers and design enthusiasts all filled up the popular coffee spot to hear the news.

When Cape Town was declared winner, squiggles of yellow streamers filled the air and the crowd whooped, cheered and embraced. Shosholoza was also sung while camera flashes went berzerk.

Aired through a live video stream, the announcement saw Cape Town being commended for their original bid. This is the first time an African city has been nominated for the title, and has been recognised for the way design is, and will continue to affect social, cultural and economic development in the city.

This accolade will bring with it international exposure, creative exchange and further development through design. And VISI could not be more pleased!

Our sincerest congratulations to the City of Cape Town and to all those directly involved in the bid.

You can check out our World Design Capital 2014 Mural on the corners of Bree and Riebeek Streets.

More information: www.capetown2014.co.za