TEDxStellenbosch

If you haven’t heard yet, Cape Town has bid to become World Design Capital 2014. The initiative is run by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (ICSID). Seoul held the title in 2010 with Helsinki having the honour in 2012. The title sees a spotlight on the winning city for an entire year, with events happening throughout. Cape Town is a strong contender, following the theme of “Live design. Tranform Life.” The city is up against the likes of Bilbao, the city famed for becoming a creative center after Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum was built in 1997. There is no doubt that Cape Town has what it takes. There is tremendous energy and support behind the bid, with the shortlisted cities to be announced in just days.

Should Cape Town not claim the title when it is announced in October, there is no reason to be disappointed (maybe just a little bit). At a recent Cape Town Design Network event it was said that “even if we don’t win, we can’t lose”. The process of developing the bid book has answered many interesting questions about the city of Cape Town and how design plays a role in inspiring positive change. There is also tremendous energy and momentum in establishing Cape Town as a design leader, an identity that does not require an official title to be realised. You can play an important role in the final decision. The organisers behind Cape Town’s bid believe the support behind each city through social media will be considered by the panel. With that said, what are you waiting for? Like Cape Town’s bid on Facebook, tweet about it with #WDC2014, write a blog post, put the badge on your blog or profile photo, and spread the word.

TEDxStellenbosch is 100% behind Cape Town’s bid for World Design Capital 2014.