The Istanbul Design Biennial, which first took place in 2012, is an international biannual event, organized by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (KSV). The biennial explores a wide range of fields from urban design (environmental and regional planning) to architecture, industrial, graphic, interior, fashion, textile, interactive design and all related fields. It aims to showcase the products, progressive ideas, and discourses of the related fields, raise public awareness in design issues, and highlight the importance of design for economic, social and political change, cultural interaction, and quality of life. One of the biennial’s primary objectives is to celebrate the creative potential in the country and introduce international examples to the city in the belief that diverse perspectives and the distinctive design discourse of Istanbul will enrich the global design culture.
The 2nd edition of the Istanbul Design Biennial will take place from October 18 to December 14, 2014, comprising a wide range of events, workshops, conferences and screenings centred around its exhibitions program. Under the overarching theme “The Future Is Not What It Used To Be”, curator Zoë Ryan (Chair and Curator of Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago) revisits the manifesto as a platform and catalyst for critical thinking in design.
The biennial asks how we can reclaim the manifesto for the 21st century and beyond, not only in the production of texts, but through actions, services, provocations, or objects and seize the potential to incite inventive outcomes. As a platform for generating new ideas, the biennial invites submissions for contemporary manifestos that explore the complex role of design in today’s society. Seeking ideas and fostering dialogue and debate, the 2nd Istanbul Design Biennial will feature new commissions and projects selected through a two-stage call for ideas.
The 2nd Istanbul Design Biennial encourages individuals from any field or background related to design to contribute. The biennial is interested in receiving concepts for manifestos in all forms, including, but not limited to, images, animations, videos, graphics, diagrams and/or texts. Ultimately, the form of each contribution should be determined by whatever most effectively communicates the idea.
Advisory board members include: Alexander von Vegesack, Chairman of the Board of Vitra Design Foundation; Han Tümertekin, architect and Aga Khan Award for Architecture recipient; Joseph Grima, architect, editor, writer and curator of the first Istanbul Design Biennnial; Özlem Yalm Özkaraolu, industrial designer and director of the first Istanbul Design Biennial; Paul McMillen, UltraRPM Chairman; Professor Tevfik Balcolu, Vice Rector at Yasar University and board member/design coordinator of Izmir Mediterranean Academy; and Yeim Demir, graphic designer and Vice President of Icograda.
To submit your own design manifesto, please visit www.tasarimbienali.iksv.org/en. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2014.
For more information, please visit http://tasarimbienali.iksv.org/en/archive/newsarchive/p/1/834.