Leading British designer to address new Southampton design network
One of Britain’s most acclaimed designers, Wayne Hemingway MBE, will speak about how the effects of the recession may create positive opportunities for designers, at the first event of the newly-established Southampton branch of the South Coast Design Forum (SCDF) this week.
In his talk on Thursday 11 June at the University of Southampton, Wayne, who is Chair of the SCDF, will explain why there’s never been a time with more opportunity for the creative community.
The University of Southampton is a member of the SCDF and is co-funding the foundation of the new Southampton branch of the forum.
The SCDF is a non-profit organisation run for and by designers and creatives from all disciplines, with established branches in Chichester, Portsmouth, Brighton and West Sussex. With 300 members and growing, the aim is to establish the South Coast as a 'respected design location' rich in designers, architects and creatives of all kinds, whose skills are recognised and called upon by local authorities and business.
Peter Spence, Forum Director of the SCDF, comments: “We have been very successful engaging with the graphic design and built environment groups but we hope our expansion into the Southampton area will enable us to engage with manufacturing and particularly with the marine industry via the Designing Demand programme.
“We are very pleased to have been able to develop relationships with all the universities in our area, to raise standards and help create jobs for graduates and students.”
Dr David Birks, Director of Enterprise at the University’s Winchester School of Art and the University’s representative on the Southampton branch, comments: “The collaboration with SCDF will provide more opportunities for our students to engage with and learn from the local design community, and of course should provide more opportunity for our staff to collaborate with that same group.
“It is essential for students to realise the importance of networking, especially in these challenging times. Many of them may work for non-established companies or even freelance, so for them to be in contact with other designers and employers is crucial.”
Wayne will be joined by Alice Goldie, a textile designer who is currently undertaking her MA in Textiles Design at Winchester School of Art (WSA). She will talk about how and why networking leads to opportunities and enhances creativity.
With 10 years experience in the fashion industry as a designer, Alice has run and taught a fashion and textiles degree course at the University of the West of England (UWE). She is also WSA’s student representative on the board of the Winchester Enterprise Network.
Alice says: “Being involved with the Winchester Enterprise Network throughout my Masters studies has provided me with a broad support network and has offered me the opportunity for realistic insight, understanding and knowledge into business practice. It’s proving to be an invaluable resource and complimenting my path of study.
“The new branch of the SCDF at Southampton is a fantastic opportunity for design students to get involved in a network that will provide a supportive environment to learn about necessary aspects of running a business. I think it will be a huge benefit in helping build a successful career from their creative skills.”
The talk starts at 6.30pm in the Nightingale Building on the University’s Highfield campus. There will be an opportunity for drinks and networking from 6pm and then again afterwards. Free parking will be available from 5pm in any undesignated parking bay.
To book your place at this event, please contact Hannah Butler on 023 8059 5331 or email: hb@soton.ac.uk