Events
Set the agenda - Red Setter's Top 5 Design Events in July 2021
Vicky Stoakes
Communications Director
Set the agenda – Red Setter’s Top 5 Design Events in July 2021
July is almost here and we are ready to soak up as much culture as we can (in lieu of the sun which has been missing in the UK for most of May and June!). We’ve got a smorgasbord of cool global art and design-led happenings to keep those creative minds stimulated. Where are you going this month?
1. Creative Folkestone Triennial
What: Creative Folkestone Triennial
When: Thursday 22nd July to 2nd November 2021
Where: Folkestone, Kent
Why: If the thought of seeing a Morag Myerscough or Gilbert and George artwork in the flesh makes you excited, then a trip to the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art is definitely worth a trip. Held every three years (and postponed from last year) the Folkestone Triennial invites artists to engage with the rich cultural history and built environment of the Kent town, and to exhibit newly commissioned work in public spaces. Around twenty major artworks are commissioned for each Triennial, with a good number of them remaining in situ past the duration of the exhibition becoming part of Folkestone Artworks.
2. Margaret Calvert: Woman at Work
What: Margaret Calvert: Woman at Work
When: Until 22nd August 2021
Where: The Design Museum, London
Why: Iconic British designer Margaret Calvert’s career spans six decades and her timeless work is something we see everywhere, often without realising it. Her most recognisable work is the design of the UK’s road signing system. Her work shapes so much of our national visual identity and we’re looking forward to celebrating her new customised typeface ‘Rail Alphabet 2’ which will eventually be used in Network Rail’s stations. We do love a good typeface.
What: The Braun Idea. On the Corporate Identity of the Braun Company 1954 to 1972
When: Until August 2021
Where: Museum der Dinge, Berlin
Why: Whilst Braun is now possibly best known for its electric toothbrushes and shavers, Braun was the first company in Germany to develop a comprehensive corporate identity from the design of the products, through to advertising and to all comms touch points. For any fan of corporate design history, this looks a great one.
4. New 5th Avenue Lego Store
What: New York’s New 5th Avenue Lego Store
When: everyday
Where: Lego Store Fifth Avenue, 636 Fifth Avenue (at 51st Street)
Why: We are AFOL here (Adult Friend of Lego) and Lego’s newest store (opened on 25th June) is offering up a plastic tribute to NYC that kids and AFOLs will all enjoy. It features the city’s famous landmarks, plus a Ghostbusters display, Marvel Cinematic Universe tie-ins, and if that’s not edgy enough for you, even some East Village punks (and of course you can make your own bespoke mini-figure with the help of an on-site printer).
5. Kusama: Cosmic Nature
What: Kusama: Cosmic Nature
When: to 31st October 2021
Where: NYBG (New York Botanical Garden, the Bronx)
Why: Another month where we’re excited to big up a Kusama event. We love how this legendary Japanese artist sees the world. From the Infinity Mirror rooms, to this botanical garden experience. Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, with colours, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers presented in a new way through monumental sculptures and spectacular installations. If we were visiting NYC this summer, this would be top of our list (along with Lego!).
