Let’s work together.
A vision is desperately needed, to take this country's design and creativity to the world; not only is it a strategic resource uniquely placed to earn investment, but it can re-build perceptions and contribute to a better future. The trick is working together to build the vision, then the plan... Others are moving ahead despite the challenges.
I set up Design Dialogue exactly 12 months ago as an informal network for 'design connectors' to come together, share ideas and expertise. These people are the doers and story-tellers in design: event organisers, curators, journalists, PRs and all-important design practitioners that look up and lead. Having returned from working overseas for a few years it was noticeable how little industry exchange was taking place, let alone planning for new and much-needed ideas and platforms to tell the story of UK design.
Across two seasons of Zoom meetings in 2020, Design Dialogue hosted 50 speakers from across the sector. Success stories have spun off in different directions - new collaborations, first-time introductions, testing and sharing of new ideas. One of its strengths is its informality; there is no membership and it's not mandated in any way. If things had been different it would probably be as originally intended; an irregular reason to meet up in the pub, but we'd have delivered a similar platform, enabling people to contribute - and take - different things from it.
The power is in the network, and belief in the potential of working together. For the design sector in the UK, we've seen in the past how this can ignite campaigns, give rise to great platforms and pull in support and an understanding of the sector; think Design Partners, Millennium Products, The London Design Festival, the re-birthing of the Design Museum and more widely, the Creative Industries Federation and design's central role in promoting UK Exports as part of the 'Great' campaign. What drove these things was a vision, and the ability to bring design and other organisations together to support them. Most can point to Sir John Sorrell as the originator and flag-waver; the UK's most accomplished design connector.
It wasn't until recently that the dearth of strong UK design organisations working together really came home to me; Design Dialogue was approached to host an event dedicated to Norweigan Presence - a new digital platform, virtual hub and meeting place for Norwegian design. It was born from past successes in Milan and New York (London had hosted 100% Norway since 2005), but more importantly, an instinct to collaborate and work towards a shared goal - or vision - of telling that country's design story. The approach was flattering - it was great our new network was being recognised as adding value - but it's not had the cut-through at 'home'.
Norwegian Presence aims to create international opportunities, commercial and creative, deliver exposure for designers and brands while strengthening that nation's reputation for design and to expand networks. The team at Design & Architecture Norway - a central government-funded body - has delivered a compelling look and feel for the campaign and a programme aimed at delivering a drumbeat of activity keeping people connected. This work has also delivered a comprehensive picture of how Norwegian design and manufacturing looks today; an amazing by-product.
Long ago the UK's Design Council set the standard for design promotion around the world. With the odd exception, its ups-and-downs over 70 years have most closely represented the success and failures of taking UK design to the world. Much like DOGA does now for Norway, it used to drive the innovation agenda and respond to national issues through design advocacy while legitimising access, encouraging creativity and enhancing the reputation of design within and to business, government and education.
Despite its in-house talent, the Design Council is currently a shadow of its previous iterations, having had its budgets slashed and its status downgraded. It now vies for income from projects and has become a hybrid design agency. The focus has shifted inwards and the ability to connect, encourage and host the sector as it once did has disappeared.
The collision of this situation against the backdrop of political and social turmoil - and the challenges and opportunities it brings - should act as a rallying call for UK design leaders. Now is the time for the sector to step forward and demonstrate how it can contribute to finding solutions to economic, social and environmental challenges. To make the case - as Norway demonstrates - it's critical we work together, trust and nurture the talent, set a vision and take UK design to the world.