CPUT’s Design Garage has officially re-opened its doors to the public and several exciting plans for this hip and happening space are in the pipeline.
The Design Garage, which is situated on Roeland Street, was launched last year and provides a space for students, alumni and other emerging designers to showcase and sell their work.
Manager Pieter Cilliers said the space had to close in November due to the #FeesMustFall protests but started collecting new products in January and is now back in business.
Plans for this year include a design residency programme as well as exhibitions.
“We’re planning a design residency programme, where an emerging designer will be given the opportunity to work in the space for a fixed period of time, after which the site specific design project will be exhibited in the Design Garage. A residency allows designers to share their process with the public, and allows space for public interaction and feedback.”
In terms of exhibitions, preference would be given to student exhibitions.
“Since most design students were unable to exhibit their work at the end of last year, we hope to be able to accommodate them this year. “
Cilliers said portions of the Design Garage can be rented out for mini-conferences, seminars or shows, such as fashion shows.
There are special rental rates for internal CPUT events.
The Design Garage is self-sustaining and takes commission on all works sold. For staff and students this commission is 25 percent and for alumni 33.3 percent.
To rent the space Cilliers can be contacted at CilliersP@cput.ac.za.
Written by Ilse Fredericks
