Our pretty city guns for World Design Capital 2014

Cape Town is one of three cities competing for the title

On 21 June 2011 it was announced that Cape Town has been shortlisted for the World Design Capital 2014. Out of 56 candidates!  The Mother City is competing against Bilbao in Spain and Dublin in Ireland.  All three cities are now waiting for the announcement of the winner on 26 October 2011.

It is the first time that an African city has been so close to the title. Every two years the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID) awards the prize to a city with all the principles for the design of social, cultural and economic development.

That Cape Town has come so far, triggers enthusiasm not only among Capetonians, but is also enormously important for the country and Africa as a whole.

 “If we win the World Design Capital 2014 title it will be great for South Africa," said  Western Cape Premier Helen Zille. "It will help build Cape Town and the rest of the province’s profile as a leading centre of creativity. Our creative industries have become a sector with great potential, which is why we are currently developing the Cape Town Innovation District that will showcase and foster design excellence in the future. We wish the City well for the final stage of the competition. Winning this title will help drive economic growth and job creation, which is one of the provincial government’s most important strategic objectives.”

The Cape Town Partnership has asked that supporters “make a designerly noise” in the run up to the final stages. A digital supporter button can be downloaded on www.capetown2014.co.za

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