Design Joburg curators believe established brands should pay it forward
As Design Joburg featuring Rooms on View returns for its second edition, we chat to creative directors Andrea Kleinloog and Megan Hesse, who share inside info on their role as curators
You are both first and foremost designers. What's the biggest lesson you learnt from curating and executing a design fair for the first time last year?
We realised that designers are braver than we originally thought. We quickly found out that they were ready for the challenge of collaborating with various industry partners to create holistic views into well-designed spaces.
Last year taught us that Design Joburg is also a wonderful platform to uplift young designers, and so this year we've introduced a mentorship programme. We have paired up complementary sets of young talent with more established studios and are really looking forward to seeing the results of these collaborations.
Do you see this mentorship programme having a broader influence on the industry?
It's critical the design industry opens its hearts, minds and businesses to the younger generation of designers as much as possible. Hopefully this formalised system of "paying it forward" will start to happen more naturally throughout the industry.How has the setting of the show - Joburg - influenced its nature?
The very nature of Johannesburg is dynamic and charismatic. It is a city of opportunity: part passion, part hard work, and a city of industry, growth and potential. These intrinsic qualities are all part of the very fibre of the show.
What's been your biggest challenge from working on Design Joburg?
Creating a show that adapts to the South African mindset, and that doesn't simply fall into the standard model of "selling floor space". There is no straight or easy route. We have had to forge unique solutions for almost every possible iteration of the show.
And the biggest reward?
We are so proud of how progressive Design Joburg is - where the focus is on experiential design and a unique offering, rather than endless stalls in an anonymous hall. We have been humbled by the incredible network of designers that have supported our sometimes outrageous ideas and their willingness to take risks with us.
• Design Joburg runs from May 25-27 at Sandton Convention Centre. Visit designjoburg.com for more info...
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