Carina ClaassensA new book cataloguing hundreds of beautiful South African craft and design products has launched to celebrate local talent
The Design Directory is intended as an attractive, easy-to-use resource profiling the diverse collective output of South African makers and designers.
The release of the book coincides with the announcement of the renaming of the Cape Craft and Design Institute as the Craft and Design Institute (CDI) – a landmark moment in the organisation’s 16-year history.
“Our name change represents a clear signal that we are now a national craft and design sector development organisation supporting businesses and sector development in all nine provinces,” said Erica Elk, Executive Director of the CDI.
She added that local and global consumers are placing increasing value on South African indigenous design, finely handmade and manufactured quality products that tell the story of the context and their makers.
“The Design Directory becomes the go-to platform for makers countrywide. It tells the reader how to reach them and how to buy their product” said Paul Duncan of Africa Press.
“It’s an introductory round-up of who’s out there, a visual taster of makers of diverse products currently working all around the country. This Design Directory is a guide to what’s new and exciting in the field, and will be updated annually.”
The Design Directory is available to purchase for R290 at bookstores nationally, at the CDI office and online.
