Nigeria to Host World Design Congress
In recognition of its remarkable growth in recent years, the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria (IDAN) has been saddled with the task of organising the 2017 edition of the prestigious World Design Congress/ General Assembly by the International Federation of Interior Architects/Designs (IFI).
The Congress, which will hold in November, will see hundreds of design professionals from about 110 countries converging on Nigeria to discuss the theme of ‘’World-Class Design in Regional Markets: Interior Architecture/Design into the Future.”
Titi Ogufere, President of IDAN, who also doubles as an executive board member of IFI representing Africa and the Middle East, says Nigeria is excited and prepared to host design professionals from other parts of the world.
According to Ogufere, hosting of the congress represents an incredible opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its cultural heritage and indigenous designs to the rest of the world. She adds that the event, being one of the biggest design events in the world, is expected to bring together major industry players from across the globe that will be looking to Nigeria for opportunities and inspiration.
The event is endorsed by Lagos State Government as co-partner and host, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, Ministry of Information and Culture and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Recognized as a key event for promoting dialogue between designers and designrelated stakeholders, including government, business, technology providers and educators, the IFI World Design Congress aims to foster collaboration among various design disciplines, highlight the value of design-based collaboration in other fields and serve as the global voice of design innovation.
“As Director of the exhibition and curator of the Design Pavilion, we will showcase the very best of contemporary designs from Africa to some respected and established designers and architects. The pavilion will include original pieces of furniture, installations, design objects, lighting and textile’’.
“The Modern & Contemporary African Arts Pavilion will showcase paintings, photographs, video art, installations and sculpture from some of Africa’s leading modern and contemporary artists and will be curated by world acclaimed curator Bisi Silva”.
‘’The Traditional African Art Pavilion will also showcase bronze works, head dresses, beaded bags, sculpture, masks as well as doors sourced from the National Museum, including the celebrated Femi Akinsanya Collections and will be curated by the past curator from the National Museum, Ronke Ashaye’’, Ogufere enthused.
Founded in 2007, the Interior Designers Association of Nigeria is the national association for the interior design profession. As the national body, IDAN represents members including fully qualified interior designers, interior decorators, suppliers of interior design products and finishing companies.
IFI was founded in 1963 as the sole global voice and authority for the interiors profession and is regarded as the “UN of Interiors.”The federation, which represents and reaches out to members in some 120 countries is strategically located close to the United Nations in New York City.