Vibrant batik creations, sketches of new designs, swatches of brightly coloured cloth take pride of place in the class rooms at the Academy of Design (AOD), as the students engage in animated discussions and bustle around in eager anticipation of the upcoming Sri Lanka Design Festival.
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| Karen McLeod |
They are more than aware that there is method to the madness. That design is no longer simply focused on creativity, and that good design is a combination of passion, creativity, technique, and-more recently identified- a focus on ethics and sustainability. SLDF 2010 aims to prove this point, also proving the financial viability of local crafts to a somewhat skeptical rural audience.
“The festival in essence brings together every aspect of design, fusing global trends with the identity of Sri Lankan culture and design,” explains Karen McLeod, the principal of AOD. “An important objective here is to create more awareness as to the potential and scope of design, and communicate Sri Lanka’s unique personal style to the global market.”
In the process, the festival organized by AOD in collaboration with MAS Holdings and the Export Development Board (EDB), brings into the spotlight not only a large group of renowned designers but also the students of AOD as well as aspiring designers from rural communities.
“For weeks,” recalls Karen McLeod, “we travelled to many rural villages across the country, speaking to the communities there and Fusing
seeking out potential participants. While many of them expressed interest, many others were incredulous at the idea that their skills and crafts could do much more than earn them a basic means of living.”
A colourful craft village exhibition and artisan’s market which will remain open throughout the duration of the festival will feature the designs which originate from these rural communities.
“The objective here is to show these communities how to take their skills to the next level with new innovations and improvements which will give their creations more value in a market,” explains Karen. “The challenge lies in proving to them that it is worth their while to- for example- weave extra cloth add extra finishing touches to their work as opposed to simply doing enough to earn money for a basic living.”
The festival promises to arouse interest in designers, students and design aficionados in general, with its busy schedule of workshops, exhibitions and fashion shows. Learn how to create couture designs out of used plastic bags and coconut shells. Learn everything there is to learn about ethical fashion. Watch how theatre and film sets come alive. Engage and interact with international designers.
With The Mount Lavinia Hotel as its venue sponsor, SLDF will take place from November 11-16. For information on participants, events and tickets, log on to www.srilankadesignfestival.com. Tickets can be booked online or purchased at The Academy of Design at No. 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4. |
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