Manila, Philippines, September 14, 2023:
The Design Center of the Philippines, an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry, has kicked off the country's largest and one of the most prominent design conferences in the ASEAN region.
The International Design Conference (IDC) will run until tomorrow, Sept 15, at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez, CCP Black Box Theater, CCP Complex, Manila, featuring an illustrious lineup of renowned speakers and panelists from across the globe.
With over 1,000 attendees participating both in person and online, this event brings together the brightest minds in design, fostering innovation, creativity, and meaningful discourse.
IDC Day 1 began with an electrifying session, "Design as an Attitude," focusing on the profound impact of design in addressing global challenges. Keynote speakers, Alice Rawsthorn, an award-winning design critic based in London, and Philippines’ very own Marian Pastor-Roces, an independent curator and institutional critic, set the stage for insightful discussions.
Notable panelists including Bea Valdes, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Philippines; Natasha Tanjutco, Co-Founder and Creative Director of TAYO; Isabella Tanjutco, Co-Founder and Design Consultant of TAYO; Merlee Jayme, Founder of The Misfits Camp; along with the insightful moderation by Pamela Cajilig, Co-Founder of Curiosity Design Research, enriched the dialogue.
Alice Rawsthorn, in her thought-provoking address, challenged the audience by asking, "What does design mean to us now?" She explored into how design can be a potent tool for addressing pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, and ethical concerns. Rawsthorn emphasized the role of "attitudinal designers" in using their skills and networks to bring about positive change in society.
“Design serves as the compass pointing us in the direction of progress in a world facing complex global challenges,” said Rawsthorn.
“We unlock the potential to build a better future for everyone as we change the way we think about design and embrace it as an attitude. Designing a world that embodies our ideals of diversity, sustainability, and social responsibility is more important than merely being aesthetically pleasing,” she added.
Marian Pastor-Roces, Founder of TAO Inc. added, "Design is not just a matter of aesthetics, it's a powerful lens through which we can address the world's intricate challenges. By reframing our perspectives on design and thoughtfully applying them, we have the potential to leave a positive mark on the world, tackling complex global issues while nurturing a culture of innovation and responsibility."
Designing inclusivity and sustainability
The second session of the conference was a dynamic exploration of "Archipelago of Design-led Nations."
The session probed into the critical question of how nations can leverage their design skills and assets to drive economic development while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
It was led by keynote speakers Christina Melander, Program Director of the Danish Design Centre and President of the Bureau of European Design Associations; and Congressman Christopher “Toff” De Venecia, Representative of the Fourth District-Pangasinan and Chairperson of the House Special Committee on Creative Industries.
The distinguished panel consisting of Minnie Moll, Chief Executive of the UK Design Council; Jacks Yeo, Deputy Executive Director of the DesignSingapore Council; Gil "Butch" Carungay, Core Team Member of the Philippine Creative Cities Network; and Mich Dulce, Head of Arts at the British Council was moderated by Glorife Soberano-Samodio, Culture and Arts Director at De La Salle University.
Discussions during the session emphasized the intangible yet impactful value of design, showcasing its role in enhancing competitiveness, productivity, and innovation.
Participants also explored how design shapes new value markets, sets brands apart, and ultimately contributes to improved profitability and higher GDP. This session highlighted the pivotal role of design in a nation's growth and competitiveness on a global scale.
In a fitting tribute to the International Women in Design Day, the conference also highlighted the contributions of five remarkable women in design. This event not only showcases global design icons but also spotlights local talents who are driving innovation in the Philippines.
Rhea Matute, Executive Director of the Design Center of the Philippines, stated, "The International Design Conference is a testament to our commitment to nurturing creativity, innovation, and design excellence in the Philippines. We are proud to host this platform that unites the design community, fosters meaningful discussions, and propels our nation's creative industries onto the global stage."
IDC Day 2 promises to be equally compelling, with sessions titled "Future Skills in the Age of Human-Machine Collaboration," "Design Policy Labs and Design Bureaucracy," and "Design's Next Promise." These sessions will provide insights into the future directions and promises of design in a rapidly changing world.
With speakers hailing from five different countries, the International Design Conference remains at the forefront of thought leadership, pushing boundaries, and inspiring transformative change.
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