5 design things to look out for in August 2018

Visit an interactive installation inspired by the Windrush Generation at Somerset House, head to Stockholm for a design festival and more this month.

Festival: Summer Design Week

What: A brand new festival hitting Sweden’s capital Stockholm this August, Summer Design Week will be host to a series of events, exhibitions and talks that celebrate Nordic design. The festival will take place all over the city and will be open to the public, running at the same time as trade fair Formex at conference centre Stockholmsmässan. More details on the new event will soon be revealed, and if you’re Stockholm-based, you can also submit details of any design events you are hosting to be listed on the website.

Where: All across Stockholm, Sweden.

When: 20-26 August 2018.

Info: For more information, head here.


Entries: Design Week Top 100

What: Every year, we collate your details to publish a list of the highest-earning design studios in the UK – you can be part of this by entering for free here. Alongside the Top 100, our annual report also includes analysis of design sectors such as graphics, branding and product, and a series of in-depth editorial content looking at industry issues, such as how to sell a business or how to boost recruitment.

Where: Entries accepted from all over the UK.

When: Deadline for entries is 24 August. The Top 100 report will be published in September.

Info: For more information, head here.


Installation: System by Gaika, at Somerset House

What: 70 years ago, the Windrush generation – people from Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago travelling by ship – first arrived in the UK to contribute to the post-war work efforts. To mark the anniversary, Somerset House is hosting a month-long installation that commemorates the event while also celebrating the history of Notting Hill Carnival, also taking place in August. The installation is a large-scale, audio visual sculpture where visitors can plug in and play music, created by musician and performance artist Gaika in collaboration with Boiler Room. It looks to celebrate black heritage and culture in the UK, inviting guests to learn and engage with the Windrush story.

Where: Lancaster Rooms, New Wing, Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA.

When: 2 August – 2 September 2018.

Info: Entry is free. For more information, head here.


Workshop: Create and Make, at the Design Museum

What: If you have children, nieces, nephews, brothers or sisters who you’d like to introduce to the world of craft and design from an early age, head to the Design Museum’s Summer Create and Make sessions, aimed at kids aged 5-11. Taking place every weekday for a whole month, activities include paper-modelling a car, designing buildings and illustrating colourful badges.

Where: Design Museum, 224-238 Kensington High Street, Kensington, London W8 6AG.

When: 30 July – 31 August 2018, Monday to Friday, 1-4pm.

Info: Sessions are free. For more information, head here.


Magazine: LogoArchive Zine Issue Two

What: Last month, London-based freelance designer Richard Baird turned his popular Instagram account dedicated to mid-century logos into a printed, quarterly publication. The black-and-white mag looks to immortalise his online stream of logos in a curated form, and celebrate some of the well-thought-out design that has gone into these international brands. The second issue has now been printed, and also features a pull-out poster.

Where: Available to buy in the UK.

When: LogoArchive issue two will be available to buy via Counter Print on 24 August for £5.

Info: For more information, head here.


Other things to catch:

Sony SST typeface exhibition: Sony’s brand typeface, designed by Monotype and Sony Design, features over 22,000 drawn characters across 93 languages. Delve into the history of the typeface at G. F Smith’s show space at 27-28 Eastcastle Street, Fitzrovia, London W1W 8DH.

Great Exhibition of the North: The three-month-long festival in Newcastle and Gateshead encompassing exhibitions, talks, workshops and more closes in September. For more information, head here.

Ron Arad: Yes to the Uncommon!: Learn about Arad’s career and work spanning art, sculpture and design in this retrospective taking place at the Vitra Schaudepot Design Museum in Germany. For more information, head here.

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