This summer, New Designers gathers more than 3,000 of the brightest new creative minds under one roof to launch the next generation of thinkers, makers and disruptors onto the UK design scene. Opening on Wednesday 27th June, the exhibition is a two-week celebration of visionary design that sees students of more than 200 creative courses unveil never-before-seen work at Islington's Business Design Centre to thousands of industry professionals and design lovers.
For its participating graduates, New Designers acts as a bridge between design education and professional design success. The show has a 33-year history on the cutting edge, uncovering and launching countless stars of UK design. Recent editions have featured the likes of Vicky Cowin (an Elle Decoration award winner), Katie Gillies (who went on to win commissions from Larson & Jennings and Dezeen Watch Shop), Jackie Lennie (snapped up by Warner Brothers) and Charles Dedman (now honoured with a Design Guild Mark).
New Designers takes place in two, four-day parts, each devoted to a different set of design and craft disciplines. Week 1 (27–30th June) features textiles, fashion, costume design, jewellery,glass and ceramics, while week 2 (4–7th July) covers furniture, industrial and automotive products, plus interior design, graphic design, animation, illustration, gaming and motion arts.
In addition to the graduate exhibitors, other key features of the show include the newly-named One Year In, a curated section showcasing the work of 100 design entrepreneurs who have recently launched their businesses. Here, design-hungry visitors can browse and buy original pieces directly from their makers.
Each One Year In exhibitor has been selected by curator Rheanna Lingham for the originality of their thinking, the quality of their work and the viability of their business. The 2018 cohort is One Year In’s biggest to date, with a record number of applications received during the open call.
Event director Chris Hall comments: "New Designers is a celebration of creation and connectivity. The event is a vital platform for the design of tomorrow – ensuring the industry is constantly revitalised with fresh ideas and creative energy. Design education and society’s needs are continuously changing, and every year New Designers responds to and anticipates this shifting landscape."
Creativity is not confined to the graduates – as many universities cut back on programmes in design and the arts, others are reshaping their academic offering to accommodate the changing professional design climate. This year sees more than 10 new courses join New Designers: the University of Gloucestershire introduces the stars of its Product Design, Fashion Design and Interior Design courses; Swansea College of Art is adding to the ever-growing Visual Communications showcase with Advertising and Brand Design; and Falmouth returns to New Designers with a roster of talent from its BA in Sustainable Product Design.
Drawing on the wealth of expertise surrounding the event, a rich programme of talks, events and workshops runs alongside the exhibition, including guest speakers from across the spectrum of the design industry, branding, education and media.
For a limited time, interested parties can secure a day ticket for just £10 plus booking fee, saving 20% when they enter offer code FURNITURENEWS at checkout on the New Designers website.
