FOKUS: THE SERIES

FOKUS creates an opportunity for participation, especially for young designers from abroad, which is comparatively inexpensive and logistically less complex than a conventional festival participation (such as at PLATFORM). FOKUS is a curated group exhibition shown in the main festival venue of VIENNA DESIGN WEEK. As one of the festival’s core formats it receives particular attention from PR and the audience. 

To apply fill out this form with images as well as dimensions of one object, a brief text covering its concept including the relevance for the topic and a CV.

This year, the curated group exhibition format FOKUS features objects that made in a small series. An expansive scenography frames the works selected by guest curator Laura Houseley.

Cost per selected piece: 300 euros 
Deadline: extended until 15.6.2023
 

ABOUT

FOKUS is a curated group exhibition shown in the main festival venue of VIENNA DESIGN WEEK framed by an extraordinary scenography. As one of the festival’s core formats, it receives particular attention from PR and the audience. There are special programme and networking opportunities for designers in attendance.

This format creates an opportunity for participation, especially for young designers from abroad, which is comparatively inexpensive and logistically less complex than a conventional festival participation (such as at PLATFORM). As one of the festival’s core formats, it receives particular attention from PR and the audience. 

Here you find all details. 

THE THEME

In 2023, VIENNA DESIGN WEEK invited the London-based curator Laura Houseley to shape its FOKUS format. The theme she chose for the group exhibition: The Series.

A small edition of objects that repeat in form and material, but each one is subtly individualized by a small intrinsic feature: This is the series, the production method that is increasingly shaping the collectible design market. The second issue of FOKUS explores the series as a contemporary design phenomenon. It focuses on the inventive and expressive methods of small-scale studio production and celebrates the desirability of successive making. If nothing else, Vienna has always been a crossroads between craft and commerce. Here, artisanal production has become a sustainable innovation – an ideal place, then, to explore this contemporary form of making in the multiple.

THE CURATOR

Laura Houseley is a Design Editor and Curator. She began her career as Design Editor of Wallpaper magazine and has contributed to many design publications since. In 2016 Laura launched Modern Design Review, an independent print magazine, publisher, and design consultancy. In 2018 Modern Design Review expanded to include MDR Gallery, a commercial platform for emerging design. Today, under the name Modern Design Review, Laura continues to write and curate alongside consulting and product commissioning for international design brands. 
moderndesignreview.com

CRITERIA

Do you make in series? Have you invented an original method of making or adapted an existing one to facilitate the making of multiple, but original, collectible works?

This should be a way of working that you regularly practice and there should be some innovation or unique perspective to your method.

Small scale series means a numbered edition of 3 - 100 pieces.

APPLY

Submit here till 15.6.2023!

Cost per accepted piece: € 300,- (excluding shipping)

Jury selection: End of June 2023

Festival Duration: 22.9. – 1.10.2023
(press and opening: 21.9.2023)

For any questions, please contact: fokus@viennadesignweek.at