Winter Greetings from Design Trust | Message From Executive Director

Year 2020 on the circularity of making and acts of generosity.

This year has truly been unbelievable, both the sense of community collaboration, the pooling of resources and acts of generosity no matter big or small that we have witnessed. Since February 2020, we have been inspired to build community resilience through our micro-initiative “DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade”. Now, fast forward December 2020, with many “firsts” this year, and a collective re-assessment on values and the circularity of making and acts of generosity, this acceleration is championed by individuals, collectives and business owners coming together to support our registered charity in its 13th year.

#GIVETOGIVEMORE Winter Showcase and e-POPUP online shop is launched

This holiday season, give your loved ones the gift that gives more.

DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade Winter Showcase features 39 designs that have been selected in collaboration with various Design Trust Champions, Partners and Patrons. Chosen based on how they embody Design Trust’s core values as well as how they responded to the curatorial brief, these designs exemplify the true creativity, innovation, ingenuity and diversity of our designer community. With all proceeds to support Design Trust’s ongoing research and grant programmes, we thank you for your interest and invite you to #GiveToGiveMore.

DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade Select Showcase

“DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade” Select Showcase at Gold Ball, K11 MUSEA.

The community micro-initiative “DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade” Select Showcase was on view from 11 November 2020 to 6 December 2020 at Gold Ball, K11 MUSEA, Tsim Sha Tsui, an interactive space sharing the latest works and new collaborations. We are grateful to our wonderful community of designers, Design Trust Champions, Collaborating Partners, and Patrons who have come together to accelerate the prototypes into reality which are now available for purchase in benefit of DESIGN TRUST.

DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade Collectors Showcase

DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade Collectors Showcase at THE SHOPHOUSE.

The "DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade" Collectors Showcase featured 18 original prototypes as one-of-a-kind or limited edition collector’s items. These thoughtful handmade creations respond to the COVID-19 challenges – from established designers to emerging talent alike – combine impeccable craftsmanship, ingenuity and creativity to deliver an inspiring unique collectible in benefit of DESIGN TRUST ongoing fundraising challenges. The silent auction preview was held November 25 - December 3, 2020 at THE SHOPHOUSE, a 1940s heritage building in Tai Hang.

DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade Virtual Event

Design Trust’s first-ever virtual fundraising event, showcasing the collective will of our international community.

DESIGN TRUST’s first virtual experimental fundraising event with an evening of the Milestone Book Launch, creative sharing by special guest Hans Ulrich Obrist with a mini keynote lecture and silent auction of collectibles in benefit of DESIGN TRUST took place on December 3rd 2020. The event was co-hosted by Design Trustee, Adrian Cheng and Co-founder/ Executive Director, Marisa Yiu along with Board of Directors and committee members. This special online mini event was created to support the ongoing efforts of DESIGN TRUST's programmes, grantees and fellows works.

Design Trust Grants & Fellowship Announcements

In view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, the deadline for applications of the January 2021 cycle will be extended 20 February 2021.

Design Trust is pleased to announce that Nils Axen (Hong Kong, New York), Elaine Kwong (Los Angeles/ Hong Kong), Zoey Chan Tsz Yiu (Hong Kong), and Dr. Gianni Talamini and his team at The City University of Hong Kong and École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland, are the grant recipients of the Design Trust October 2020 grant cycle, and two fellows: Emily Verla Bovino and Anouchka van Driel are the recipients of the M+ / Design Trust Research Fellowship 2021. In view of the latest developments of the COVID-19 epidemic, the deadline for applications of the January 2021 cycle will be extended 20 February 2021. Share with us your ideas and proposals on 20 February 2021 through our new online grant application system.

Micro-initiatives and City Culture at BODW 2020

“DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade” micro-initiatives and city culture took place at BODW on 5 December 2020.

“DESIGN TRUST: Critically Homemade” micro-initiatives and city culture took place at BODW on 5 December 2020 - a virtual and live design dialogue with speakers Mr. Donald Choi (Executive Director & Group CEO of Chinachem Group), Mr. Arnault Castel (Founder of kapok), Ms. Clara Brito (Creative Director, of Lines Lab) and Mr. Michael Young (Director of Michael Young Studio) moderated by Marisa Yiu (Co-Founder/ Executive Director of Design Trust). The speakers shared on the Hong Kong micro-initiative from their unique context to support cultural invigoration and community resilience.