Going Dutch at Design Indaba

The event will see representatives from the Dutch and South African contingents attending Design Indaba 10 to explore potential business relationships, in addition to attending the matchmaking event on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 February 2007. Networking, guest lectures and social evenings will complete the talent exchange collaboration.

The SA matchmaking team comprises leading SA design representatives in the spatial, industrial, craft and visual communication design areas. It is envisaged that the Dutch Matchmaking team will be particularly interested in outsourcing particular aspects of design projects to SA design agencies, with a key focus being design for diversity.

The event is an initiative of BNO, executed on behalf of the EVD (Dutch Agency for International Business and Cooperation) and supported by the Dutch Consulate General, and the South African Netherlands Chamber of Commerce (SANEC). South African design organisations also support the matchmaking initiative, which involves representatives from associated bodies such as think, DSA, the SABS Design Institute and related government agencies.

A transfer of design knowledge and competencies will enhance the creative sector in both countries and strengthen SA-Dutch trade and cultural relations.