5 design things to look out for in July 2018

Report: Design Economy, by Design Council

What: To educate yourself about the current state of the design industry, grab a copy of the Design Council’s new report. Originally published in 2015, the Design Economy delved into the value of design to the UK. Now, it has been re-written and republished with brand new research, finding that design makes an even bigger contribution than we thought, at roughly £85bn a year. The report is full of colourful infographics and statistics about the industry, such as that there were 1.7 million people employed in design roles in 2016, and that designers are 30% more productive than the average worker. And don’t worry – there’s an executive summary for skim-reading.

When: Published 5 July 2018.

Info: The Design Economy report is free to download online. For more info, head here.

Festival: D&AD New Blood Festival 2018

What: Organised by Design and Art Direction (D&AD) to tie in with their annual awards for students and graduates, New Blood Festival celebrates the work of up-and-coming designers from across the UK. There will be a spectacular showcase of fresh, new talent, which will see students from nationwide university courses such as illustration, advertising, graphic design and more exhibit their work. There is also a talks programme, which this year includes the likes of Samuel Mensah, Marina Willer and Miraphora Mina and Eduardo Lima (aka, design studio Mina Lima).

When: 12-14 July 2018.

Where: The Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Lane, London E1 6QR.

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

Exhibition: The BFG in Pictures

What: Quentin Blake’s scratchy, signature illustrations are most associated with author Roald Dahl, particularly his children’s favourites such as Mathilda and The Fantastic Mr Fox. Much like the recent Tove Jansson exhibition exploring the artist and author’s Moomin illustrations, a new Quentin Blake exhibition will explore the magical drawings that have brought so many well-loved books to life through pictures. Focused on the book The BFG (Big Friendly Giant), the BFG in Pictures features 40 pieces personally selected by Blake, and well as accompanying commentary written by the illustrator.

When: 14 July – 30 September 2018.

Where: The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, Durham DL12 8NP.

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

Creative space launch: The Ministry

What: Who would have thought that a huge dance club would launch a working space for creative professionals? Ministry of Sound has ventured into this realm and launched The Ministry; a private members’ club and collaborative space, which aims to be a “stark contrast” to the “generic glass box offices” of “bland co-working spaces” around the world, according to Lohal Presencer, chairman at Ministry of Sound. The space spans six floors, and alongside working spaces, features a bar, restaurant, music studios, fitness suite, cinema, wellness room and an events space.

When: Opens 11 July 2018.

Where: 79-81 Borough Road, London SE1 1DN.

Info: Interested companies and individuals can register their interest to join The Ministry online. For more info, head here.

Festival: Great Exhibition of the North

What: A three-month long celebration of art, design and culture has taken over Newcastle and Gateshead, and the event is in full swing for all of July. Learn about the joys of arcade games and coding at Northumbria University, go to a series of talks on new technology including virtual and augmented reality, discover how design has helped crisis situations and more, at this Government-funded event.

When: Throughout all of July.

Where: Various venues across Newcastle and Gateshead.

Info: Read Design Week’s round-up of the Great Exhibition of the North here. Some events are free but some are ticketed. For more info, head here.