As we move into what feels like a completely new era the question of how we will live our lives, and what we will surround ourselves with, is raised. Will the excesses and over consumption that overwhelmed the last few decades be replaced with something more considered and meaningful? Design at an Art fair will naturally broach the subject of "Design Art", a movement that has grown rapidly in just a few short years, elevating designers to star status and producing rare, groundbreaking work. Whilst it is important to credit exceptional, limited edition design pieces with an art status, what is more significant is to examine each article on it's relevance and to consider how these works will actually integrate into the way we live. For the first time in South Africa, a selection of the most interesting design talent in the country will debut completely new work as a collection under Southern Guild. Many of these pieces are limited editions or 'one off" items, or are the first prototypes of a new range. They have been selected because they say something about who we are as a nation and draw inspiration from the specifics of our land. They are works that stand apart from the mass produced and readily available, and will prove to be worthy investments, but more importantly we will relate to them on a deeper, more emotional level that ties us back to something intrinsic and familiar. SOURCE are the leading agents and curators of South African Design. Actively involved across all disciplines of design and craft production for international clients including The Conran Shop, Anthropologie, Jamie Oliver, Bergdorf Goodman, ABC carpet and home, Firma Casa and Moooi, they have a deep understanding of where South African design is positioned in the international marketplace. Artlogic produces high profile art events by partnering with corporate sponsors. Acting as a conduit between business and cultural entities, they have opened up new markets and reached cultural audiences beyond the reach of traditional methodology. Source and Artlogic have joined forces to bring together a collection of designers and a body of work that has never been seen before. The Southern Guild Collection will premiere at the Joburg Art Fair 2009 and will continue to exhibit the best work, from the country’s top designers, locally and internationally.