University News Last updated 29 May
Acclaimed artist Cold War Steve, movie poster artist and designer Akiko Stehrenberger, prosthetic makeup designer Barrie Gower and activist collective Led By Donkeys are among the headline speakers confirmed for this year’s Birmingham Design Festival.
Sponsored by Birmingham City University (BCU), the festival was founded in 2017 and has become one of the UK’s leading showcases for contemporary design, earning international recognition for hosting some of the most influential voices from the creative industries.
Running from 10–12 June across venues in Birmingham city centre, the festival will feature more than 60 speakers and over 80 events celebrating graphic, digital and analogue design, alongside workshops, exhibitions, live installations and creative networking opportunities.
This year’s programme also includes talks from designer Samar Maakaroun, Partner at Pentagram; 'illustrator and animator Yukai Du; branding leaders Simon Manchipp and Rich Rhodes from SomeOne™; and designer and creative director Lou Downe.
Visitors will also be able to take part in practical workshops covering typography, illustration, motion graphics, printmaking, branding and emerging creative technologies, with free talks and interactive sessions taking place daily across the festival’s Design Districts.
As a key sponsor of the festival, BCU is continuing its support for the city’s creative sector and its commitment to connecting students with industry-leading talent and opportunities.
Mav Cunningham, Dean of the School of Arts, said: “Birmingham Design Festival continues to attract the most exciting and influential creative voices from across the world, while creating opportunities for students, graduates and the wider creative community here in Birmingham.
“At BCU, we are proud to support a festival that champions experimentation, collaboration and the future of design – and we’re looking forward to another fantastic event.”
Founded by Birmingham-based designers Luke Tonge and Daniel Alcorn, Birmingham Design Festival has become a major fixture in the UK creative calendar, attracting designers, artists, students and creative businesses from across the country and beyond.
“We're delighted to be continuing our partnership with BCU, which is right at the heart of BDF's ongoing success,” said Tonge. “Our mission is shared one - and since our inception in 2018, BCU has been an important partner to the festival.”
Further information and tickets are available via Birmingham Design Festival and Birmingham City University.