New Thinking: 21 years Old

New Designers has become the leading graduate showcase since its modest beginnings 21 years ago. Younger than many of the designers whose work it showcases, the exhibition has an enviable CV. From modest beginnings representing just 150 individual designers at the RIBA in 1985 New Designers 2006 will present the work of over 4,000 graduating designers.

The unprecedented success of the exhibition is due not only to the continued high quality of the young designers but to its ability to link creative graduates in to huge audiences. Over 14,000 design hungry visitors, both consumer and trade are expected this year providing graduates with a direct route to market. For the lucky majority New Designers brings commissions, sales and even full-time employment straight to their stands. Events such as this which create bridge the gap between academic and working practice are invaluable, identifying design graduate's value to both the public and the industry.

New Designers is supported by key creative industries organisations who recognise the importance of the event in providing lifeblood for fresh ideas and talent. Longstanding sponsors include Hallmark Cards Plc, The Dyson Foundation, DKNY, Tigerprint, The Textile Society and The Goldsmiths Company. This year there are also new awards presented by Atelier (Abigail Ahern), Contemporary Applied Arts and Metropolitan Works among others. In addition to financial prizes, many of the awards also offer invaluable work experience or professional manufacturing facilities.

"It is vital to maintain a stream of ideas and energy, and we consistently find what we are looking for at New Designers. Our awards bring us to the attention of each successive generation of talented graduates, which in turn helps our recruitment ambitions to provide commercial experience and develop the best creative team for our global business." - Martin Powderly, Hallmark Cards Group Creative Director

New Designers acknowledges that design education doesn't stop with a degree or indeed a graduate job. It hosts a series of seminars and practical workshops, this year the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship (NCGE) are holding two 'Flying Start' rallies to encourage designers wishing to set up their own businesses. The Crafts Council is running a programme offering advice to help develop professional practices.

Even at the grand old age of 21 New Designers demonstrates the importance of fresh approaches to academia and industry and the extent to which, when properly aligned their mutual dependence can encourage creativity and benefit the cultural economy. Now we just need to spread the word...

Listings Information:

Venue: Business Design Centre, 52 Upper Street,
Islington, London N1

Ticket Box Office: 08701 295031

Event website: www.newdesigners.com

Part 1: 29 June to 2 July 2006 (Awards Preview Evening 28 June)

Zones: Contemporary Applied Arts; Ceramics and Glass; Jewellery and Precious Metalwork; Fashion, Textiles and Accessories.

Part 2: 6 July to 9 July (Awards Preview Evening 5 July)

Zones: Product Design; Furniture Design; Illustration and Animation; Graphic and Interactive Media; Photography and Spatial Design (Architectural Design, Interior Design, Model making and Theatre Design).