PPC isn’t your usual cement-manufacturing company. As one of the largest patrons and promoters of the Arts and Design in South Africa, PPC Cement is also set to launch the PPC Imaginarium Awards this year – a first of its kind.
The PPC Imaginarium Awards, which have evolved from the Young Concrete Sculptor Awards, is a platform for designers and artists to express their creative talents using cement as their primary inspiration or material. Entries will be categorised into Architecture, Film, Sculpture, Fashion, Jewellery and Industrial Design. To assist the entrants, PPC will be hosting one-day workshops across the country to demonstrate the best practices in working with concrete, as well as discussing judging criteria and technical tips.
Designer and social commentator Dion Chang has observed that concrete is becoming a ‘must have’ in terms of design trends. “Concrete and metal were very visible in many of the collections at Paris and London Design weeks,” he said.
The competition’s prizes include R50 000 for the winner of each category, R15 000 for the runners-up, and a grand prize of R100 000 for the overall winner. In addition to these prizes, winners will also receive exhibition opportunities and mentorship from various thought leaders in their respective industries.
The finalists in each category will be exhibited and announced in January next year, while the overall PPC Imaginarium winner will be declared in February 2015.
For more information about the awards, visit www.ppcimaginarium.co.za.
