Design Trust Futures Studio (DTFS) is a flagship programme of the DESIGN TRUST, that makes visible the processes and positive role of design in the culture of contemporary design and production. The programme stems from a project-studio concept that promotes life-long collaborations through a mentor-mentee programme and workshop collaboration model. As a cross-disciplinary initiative created and conceptualised by Marisa Yiu, Co-founder and Executive Director of Design Trust, experts from different fields contribute to the teams in the exploration of materials, production, and to put forth the positive value of design of public spaces to cultural projects that foster collaboration in Hong Kong, the region and its relationship globally.
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering and understanding of “heritage is innovation”, where we explored this theme for the DTFS 2019. This year’s programme is an accelerated version of DTFS, looking into how the act of collaboration and experimentation can creatively passed on to future generations, to generate and inform new material techniques whilst respecting tradition. Analysing and researching the legacy of our rich heritage, this is our entry point into the collectively shaping our city's future, and the culture of crafting and making. Expanding upon this, our new theme for 2022 is "Heritage is Creative Generation", explore new synergies whilst respecting traditional Chinese values of design with contemporary sensibilities.
This year 2022 DTFS partners with Hong Kong Palace Museum, inspired by Project Twelve, a cultural and design exploratory project using a theme of the twelve animal signs of the Chinese zodiac. During a 12-year period starting from 2008, an outstanding Asian artist or designer, was invited each year to create a masterpiece sculpture, using the zodiac sign of the respective year as a theme.
The six-month long programme is an accelerated, compressed version of DTFS created out of creative urgency to collaborate during the pandemic. With the team and partners, 12 designers/ collectives are invited to propose and craft a new interpretation of one Chinese zodiac work relating to Project Twelves past works, with their creative spark; whilst adding their independent and creative skills informed by a series of dialogues and workshops, and showcased at Scholars Commons, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, that opens to the public July 2022.
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