Invitation of participation: Design Indaba Journalism Workshop

For the first time, Design Indaba is presenting the Design Indaba Journalism Workshop in conjunction with the Design Indaba Expo taking place from February 23 to 26, 2008, at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.

Susan Yelavich

Led by New York design critic and assistant professor at Parsons, Susan Yelavich, with the assistance of an international team of acclaimed editors, journalists and writers: Frederico Duarte, freelance writer and communications designer, Portugal; Marcus Fairs, editor of Dezeen and former editor of Icon magazine, UK; and Julie Lasky, editor-in-chief of ID magazine, US.

Starting from the premise that the products and places of design are catalysts for social interactions and also containers of social memory, the Design Indaba Journalism Workshop will explore how the perceptive journalist can illuminate the tangible and the intangible value of design.

“Every object of design resonates with the intentions of its maker, but when it enters the world it takes on new dimensions – economic, social, cultural, even political. Accordingly, design criticism should go beyond reportage and promotion to stimulate public conversations about the nature of those objects and the experiences, meanings and values they engender. Our readers need to know they are respected as both citizens and consumers.” – Susan Yelavich.

Participation

The workshop is open to all journalists working in South Africa. Limited places are available and will be awarded on a first come basis.

The cost is R1500,00 per person. This includes access to the Design Indaba Expo from February 23 to 26, the Simulcast of the Design Indaba Conference from February 27 to 29 and the three Specialist Indabas on February 25 and 26. Participation does not include accommodation and transport.

The workshop is open to countrywide participation and is aimed at professional junior, middle-weight and freelance journalists. Participants of the workshop will be expected to publish their work as an outcome to the workshop and each journalist will also be given a blog to use during their participation. The workshop is an accredited MAPPPSETA skills programme.

Design Indaba’s commitment to the creative industries in SA goes beyond events. The objective of the workshop is to investigate the significance of design journalism and critique in South Africa. National media have an important role in the education of the South African public about the role and impact that design can have on an emerging country. The Design Indaba Journalism Workshop is an extension of this commitment and will ensure that local media have the opportunity to learn and engage with expert international writers and editors.