As part of the long-term country-specific programmes a very ambitious programme is envisaged in China (Shanghai, Shenzhen and Beijing), including a continuation of the 2g@there programme, which was inaugurated in 2008 in Hong Kong. In India a DutchDFA programme during the DesignYatra in Mumbai will be accompanied by further research into the Indian design sector and its markets. In Germany, next to a matchmaking dinner to highlight the Dutch design focus at DMY international design festival, an in-depth region-specific market research for all three disciplines will be the main focus. In addition preparations for Dutch contributions to Ruhr2010 and Shanghai World Expo 2010 will require attention in 2009. The DutchDFA Steering Group advises on the curator and the budget for the design, fashion and architecture programme for the NY400 year. The DutchDFA Programme Office will develop the first edition of the modular exhibition Dutch Profiles, which will start travelling form the Autumn of 2009 onwards. The DutchDFA website will be expanded into an information ‘portal’ and ‘mapping’ tool of the Dutch design sector at large.

Starting point for this 2009 programme is a set of qualities that characterise Dutch design. They will help distinguish the Dutch design sector in the three focus countries of the DutchDFA programme: China, India and Germany. These qualities are a combination of a conceptual approach with technical innovation. Furthermore, the programme will focus on sustainability (from an ecological, as well as a social and economic perspective) and on dialogue between design cultures, including the exchange of knowledge and the joint development of new knowledge.

In parallel to projects in the three focus countries DutchDFA will invite potential partners and commissioners to acquaint themselves with Dutch designers and their work through visitors’ programmes. DutchDFA will also map existing international educational relationships in 2009, as a basis for strengthening and expansion of educational exchange. An important tool for the development of knowledge, and knowledge exchange, the positioning of Dutch design and entering into professional dialogues is research by design, projects of which will emerge out of other programme elements over time.

The activities in the focus countries form a coordinated set of projects, which will alternately links to the core principles behind the DutchDFA programme: idea, network and enterprise.

A PDF of the complete Summary of Year-Plan 2009 can be downloaded here.

 

A PDF of the complete Four Year-Plan 2009-2012 (Vierjarenplan 2009-2012) can be downloaded here.