Catherine’s top five design events
By HGB , Jul 21 2016
Rug up warm and head out to some of the hottest design events being held in New Zealand over the next couple of months. HGB’s design and inbound consultant, Catherine, says these ones shouldn’t be missed.
Here at HGB, our design team loves to see and hear about new creative ideas and with the Spark Festival about to kick off on our doorstep, our design and inbound consultant, Catherine rounds up a few design events that might inspire you.
Spark International Festival of Music, Media, Arts and Design, Hamilton
This annual festival has been inspiring creative minds for almost two decades and this year the line-up of speakers and events is better than ever. International multi-media artists will be speaking alongside photographers, musicians and editors at free events, while panellists will discuss balancing life in NZ with working globally. A programme of workshops includes story pitching, song writing, strategy to craft and hand lettering (look out for me at this one!).
Why do I want to go? Because it’s an exciting opportunity to network with some of the country’s best design minds.
What: #Spark16 International Festival of Music, Media, Arts and Design
Where: Wintec City Campus, Hamilton
When: 8-11 August, 2016
Semi Permanent, Auckland
With speakers from Australia, the UK, the USA, Germany and our very own New Zealand, Semi Permanent Auckland is a two day event that brings the world of design to Auckland. One of 48 events held in 12 cities across six countries, Semi Permanent promises mind-bending experiences. Seminars on topics relating to design, business and culture will be held alongside workshops on rebranding Airbnb, installations and screenings, and networking parties. The event is billed as ‘a collision of ideas, conversations and creativity’ and it certainly sounds as if it will deliver.
Why do I want to go? Because of the line up of international speakers they have, including Cecelia Herbert, Head of Diversity & Inclusion for Google (APAC).
What: Semi Permanent Auckland
Where: Aotea
When: 12-13 August
https://beta.semipermanent.com/events/semi-permanent-auckland-2016
World of WearableArt Awards (WOW), Wellington
The World of WearableArt Awards is known as WOW – and for good reason. This internationally renowned design competition sees artists and designers from all over the world, really push the bar out when it comes to wearable design. With a combination of art, textile, fashion and design, WOW is a smorgasbord of design inspiration. The only real criteria is that designs are original, well-made and… wearable.
Why do I want to go? Because there isn’t an event quite like it and the show is a real example of what a creative idea can become.
What: World of Wearable Arts
Where: TSB Bank Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington
When: Thursday 22 September – Sunday 2nd October
https://www.worldofwearableart.com/
New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival, New Plymouth
Yes, there can be some stigma around tattoos, but if you think about the art of tattooing itself, then it’s one of the most creative jobs around. Tattooing is incredibly intricate and there is a wide range of styles, which means from a design perspective, it’s a fascinating form to watch. That’s why, the New Zealand Tattoo and Art Festival, which is the biggest tattooing event in Australasia is one of my recommended events of the design calendar.
Why do I want to go? Because tattooing is an art form that uses a wide array of design elements, and New Plymouth, with its newly opened Len Lye Centre, is a designer’s destination.
What: New Zealand Tattoo & Art Festival
Where: TSB Stadium New Plymouth
When: 26-27 November
New Zealand Fashion Week, Auckland
When New Zealand Fashion Week takes to the runway in Auckland in August, I’d love to be in the front row, marvelling at this season’s designs. Alas, that won’t pay the bills so I’ll just have to settle for watching the coverage online instead. New Zealand is home to some fabulous fashion design and I’m always interested to know where our designers get their inspiration from.
Why do I want to go? New Zealand Fashion Week is an opportunity to see which trends will be hot this season – and that provides some great inspiration for our design work here at HGB.
What: New Zealand Fashion Week
Where: ANZ Viaduct Events Centre
When: 22-28 August