At the 2010 Joburg Art Fair, the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) has partnered with Artlogic and Source in the realization of the Southern Guild Design Space. The initiative identifies and brings together iconic and innovative design pieces from South Africa's creative industries.

 

International interest in South African art and design is growing, and is bringing with it an increased demand for local creative product. The dti celebrates entrepreneurship and ingenuity, and by partnering with Southern Guild, aims to increase international market access as well as export and trade opportunities for South Africa's pioneers of design.

 

The dti sees its support of premier local design as an ongoing concern. Looking to the future, the dti hopes to develop and inform its partnership with Southern Guild so that the collaboration may ultimately extend beyond our borders and into the global arena.

 

Making its debut at the Joburg Art Fair in 2009 Southern Guild received an overwhelming response, both publically and critically, for the diverse and original collection of design products inspired by nature.

 

For the 2010 collection, this year's fourty selected exhibitors are again a group of the countries leading contemporary designers, collaborating artists and the most interesting up and coming young design talents. The focus is on new materials, and exploring a very contemporary aesthetic, as they launch 'one of a kind pieces,' limited editions and their new ranges.

 

All work has been designed for unveiling at the Joburg Art Fair and has been curated by Source, the leading agents and promoters of South African design, in partnership with Artlogic.