The source of change ― Integrated

Graphic Design conference, deSingel, Antwerp, Belgium, 26 and 27 November

The fifth edition of the biennial international art and design conference Integrated, organized by St Lucas School of Arts Antwerp in collaboration with deSingel is here, continuing to propose progressive and thought–provoking subjects, this time focusing on the ‘change from within’. Driven by a strongly ethical/artistic emphasis, conference offers a platform for a compelling dialogue between art, design and society, and therefore wallows in the polemics of this discourse.

Ieva Laube November 2015
The fifth edition of the biennial international art and design conference Integrated, is here, continuing to propose progressive and thought–provoking subjects, this time focusing on the ‘change from within’. Driven by a strongly ethical/artistic emphasis, conference offers a platform for a compelling dialogue between art, design and society, and therefore wallows in the polemics of this discourse.

The originator of Integrated, graphic designer and director of Visionandfactory Hugo Puttaert states: “We live in a society where the pressure of economic thought is pushing the poor and the rich, the powerful and the powerless further and further apart. Our societal structures are tested for their tenability and genuine problems blend seamlessly with extrapolated non–news, which wash over us every day and force us into arguments and polemics. The diktat of ‘more’ has in the meantime reached its limit. The discrepancy between a society focused exclusively on economic growth and a sustainable alternative is increasingly visible. Is growth moreover still really necessary? What kind of growth, material or spiritual? But before you know it, this question too has become a trend, ready to be marketed, subjected once again to that economic diktat…”
Nevertheless new ideas and many social changes are being sparked from below – the buzzing creative and interdisciplinary initiatives. Therefore Integrated wants to stimulate new thought patterns from a committed standpoint, providing a platform for the diverse but very interesting visions of designers, artists, architects and philosophers on how we can develop a new and sustainable dynamic in tomorrow’s society. Sometimes genuinely visionary and barely feasible today, but often also very concrete and usable immediately.
graphic identity has been created by visual communication studio 'Mirror Mirror
Gathering around 30 speakers, Integrated will feature talks by graphic designer and partner at Pentagram Harry Pearce, architect and prizewinning book designer Joost Grootens, illustrator Jordy van den Nieuwendijk, the renowned Studio Dumbar, Tim Fendley from Applied Wayfinding, art director at Sid Lee and Queen of Tumblr 2014 Cecilia Azcarate, illustrator, painter and set designer Paul Cox, Ippolito Pestellini Laparelli from OMA, print factory Kastaar, graphic designer collective Syndicat, Thierry Brunfaut from Base Design and many more. Lecture series will be interrupted by intermezzos offering 6 intriguing micro–lectures, innovative student performances, recent graduate projects and other visual mayhem per day. Moreover, the guests will be treated with music performances, a continuous installation of video art, various media presentations and exhibitions.

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Ieva Laube

Ieva Laube is a journalist exploring the creative scenes of Europe ‘on the go’, contributing to digital and printed publications back home in Latvia and abroad. While pursuing a career in writing with a focus on design, architecture, photography, fashion, art and creative initiatives, she loves to engage in non–related endeavors that strive to overstep the perception of conventional thinking, carrying out multidisciplinary performative projects. She is also the managing director of fashion label Collar Swimwear.

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