Focus points for the coming years
1. The future requires international thinking and acting
We realize that Dutch designers by definition act in an international environment. Designing the future is an international objective. With Dutch Design Week we therefore want to become the major international hub where the future is shown, explored and discussed.
2. The future requires connection
If we want to strengthen the position and meaning of Dutch designers, we do that best by connecting them to a world of clients. That is why we strengthen our role as matchmaker. DDW offers a podium and network to designers and clients. In the coming years we will make more and more matches, also with international clients.
3. The future requires responsibility
As designers we are optimists, but we also want to take responsibility. Even more because we believe in the power of creative minds. That is why we want to connect designers to social issues more actively in the coming years.
Dutch design
DDW does not just see Dutch design as a label for a certain group of designers or design aesthetic, but as a permanent reflection of a culture and attitude that is characteristic of the Netherlands and of Dutch people. We identify with a solution-oriented approach, functionality, humanism, free thinkers, brutality, humour, ability to put things into perspective, single-mindedness, not hindered by thinking in terms of hierarchical barriers, the unconventional. But also the readiness for taking stakeholders seriously and involving them in the solution, in the creative process. Dutch design is an attitude and does not by definition refer to a nationality.
History
DDW all began back in 1998. In that year the Vormgeversoverleg (a designers collaborative) organised the first Day of Design. Objective: introducing entrepreneurs to designers. The event, which took place annually in Eindhoven, attracted more interest each year and grew exponentially. The Day of Design became the Week of Design in 2002 and ultimately in 2005 it was renamed Dutch Design Week (DDW).
Mission and Vision
DDW is optimistic and believes in the problem-solving capabilities of designers. They have demonstrated that they dispose of the inventiveness and flexibility of mind that can lead to innovations that our rapidly changing world so craves.
Our ambition has three pillars:
1. Offering a platform to designers, irrespective of origin or nationality, with a Dutch design* attitude: our organisation reinforces Dutch design through offering a leading international stage.
2. Offering designers opportunities: helping them move forward through introducing media, commerce and other sectors to designers and their work - in the form of publicity, network expansion and assignments.
3. Talent development: our future-oriented vision is not limited to tomorrow. Which is why one of our organisation’s spearheads is the stimulation and support of the new generation.
* Our definition of Dutch design can be found under the header 'Dutch design' in the text above.
Ambassadors
Since 2009, DDW has appointed two parties from the design field to champion Dutch design in general and the week in particular. They fulfil a representative task and utilize their network to create links and provide fledgling designers with a helping hand.
2021: Floris Alkemade, Natsai Audrey Chieza, Christien Meindertsma
2020: Lidewij Edelkoort, Sabine Marcelis, Sean Carney
2019: Stefano Boeri (Architetti), Alice Rawsthorn, Jalila Essaïdi, Lonneke Gordijn & Ralph Nauta (Studio Drift)
2018: Ravi Naidoo (Design Indaba), Wendy Plomp (Dutch Invertuals), Laurens van den Acker (Renault)
2017: Marcus Fairs (Dezeen), Winy Maas (MVRDV) & Lonny van Ryswyck en Nadine Sterk (Atelier NL)
2016: Maarten Baas & Bas van Abel
2015: Makkink & Bey, Koert van Mensvoort
2014: Scholten & Baijings, Arne Hendriks
2013: Daan Roosegaarde, Piet Hein Eek
2012: Robert Bronwasser, Joost van Bleiswijk & Kiki van Eijk
2011: Miriam van der Lubbe, Bruno Ninaber van Eyben
2010: Roland Bird, Marijn van der Poll
2009: Leonne Cuppen
Themes
Since 2012, DDW has set a theme for each edition of the event to support the publicity campaign that attracts the general public.
2021: The Greater Number
2020: The New Intimacy
2019: If not now, then when?
2018: If not us, then who?
2017: Stretch
2016: The making of
2015: What if...
2014: UP
2013: Now Future
2012: Enter a Brave New World
Future DDW
2022
22-30 October
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