- AFRICA BY DESIGN (ABD) is delighted to announce the launch of its inaugural exhibition, showcasing the astounding work of 23 designers from seven African countries. ABD is set to take place between 6 until 9 March 2017 in Accra, Ghana. The capital city will play host to Africa's most diverse design exhibition in a prestigious celebration.
The talented exhibitors include: award winning transformist, Na Chainkua Reindorf; Ethiopia and Kenya inspired Jomo Furniture, who has been celebrated by the likes of Vogue Magazine and Wallpaper*; and Kofar Mata Dye Pit, whose dyeing technique is encapsulated by the history of the ancient city of Kano.
In celebration of the rich and multi-dimensional design landscape on the African continent, the designers will represent countries such as Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal and Togo. Their works fall between three categories; Furniture/Product Design, Textile Design and Environmental Design and promises to be a multi-sensory experience-taking visitors on a journey through the beauty and complexity of diverse cultural influences.
AFRICA BY DESIGN will also be the first exhibition of its kind to inspire a dialogue about the business of design; looking at its potential to contribute to local economies through manufacture and employment. AFRICA BY DESIGN is delighted to have The African Export Import Bank (Afrexim-
bank) as its sponsoring knowledge partner. Through a series of panel led discussions, AFRICA BY DESIGN will provide a platform to discuss various themes and challenges, for example; the impact posed by counterfeit foreign textile imports, which currently flood the market.
Visitors will be able to attend and contribute to panel discussions; “The Business of African Design” and “African Design Education”. The exhibition will also feature a workshop lead by a Kente weaving master, Bob Grandy.
AFRICA BY DESIGN Founding Director, Chrissa Amuah says, “Despite the weight of Africa's cultural and artistic currency, African textiles and design are yet to receive the same commercial appreciation, which has been ignited in African art.” AFRICA BY DESIGN seeks to fuel pride and empower innovation, whilst inspiring investment and viable commercial platforms for the continent’s talented designer makers.
AFRICA BY DESIGN is brought to you in association with The Financial Times and proud sponsors, The African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank), AMWA Designs and N. Dowuona & Company.
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