It’s all yellow

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

Cape Town has opened its call for proposals for World Design Capital 2014. There are four themes and a deadline of 5 April, but no money – all the more reason to be extra creative!

The World Design Capital (WDC) title is not about choosing the most designer looking city right now. No, it’s about designing better cities for people. In fact Cape Town’s bid to be WDC 2014 was never about claiming CT to be an established design capital, but rather a bid to acknowledge that the city is using design to facilitate transformation and promote social, cultural and economic development. Hence the bid’s central theme: “Live design, transform life”.

Accordingly, the focus for 2014 will be on design projects that bridge historic divides, reconnect the city in structure and spirit, rebuild social and economic inclusion, and reposition CT for a sustainable future. If you feel that your project should be officially recognised as part of 2014, then you’re in luck.

The first call for submissions has just been officially opened and it will close on 5 April 2013. The second call will open in July. Entry is free and open to absolutely anyone anywhere in the world with a strong project that would benefit and be based on the African continent. In line with the overarching driver of “Live design, transform life”, four themes have been developed to simplify the submission and selection process: 

• Theme 1: African Innovation – Global conversation: African ideas that speak to the world.
• Theme 2: Bridging the divide – Design that reconnects our city and reconciles our communities.
• Theme 3: Today for tomorrow – Sustainable solutions for people and planet.
• Theme 4: Beautiful spaces. Beautiful things – Inspiring architecture, interiors, food, fashion, jewellery, craft and art.

Why enter? Firstly your project gets official WDC 2014 recognition and is included in the official programme of events for the year. Then there is the exposure through all of the official communication channels, and of course the rights to use the official logo and branding for WDC 2014.

Please note that WDC 2014 is not in a position to directly fund or support funding initiatives for any of the submissions they receive. However should your submission be successful, this puts you in a better position to seek funding, as it comes with access to potential local and global sponsors. 

WDC 2014 will be a huge opportunity to shine the spotlight on South African creativity and design-related projects hosted in Cape Town throughout the year. 

All proposals have to be submitted online at www.wdccapetown2014.com where you can also find additional information on the themes and the submission process.