V&A Waterfront calls for a new group Cape Town creative entrepreneurs to apply for their local readiness programme for 2022/23
Good news for creative entrepreneurs in Cape Town is that the Craft + Design Institute (CDI) and V&A Waterfront is calling for a new group of Cape Town-based creative entrepreneurs to apply for their local retail readiness programme for 2022/23.
If selected, the programme provides a full retail experience at an incubator store, known as the Design Lab, which is located at the V&A’s design-forward Watershed shopping venue. It’s an incredible opportunity for local designers to receive the necessary support to experience a real-time retail environment, try their hand at selling and test products in the market. The programme also unlocks free training covering pricing, packaging, merchandising, product development and much more.
running from 2021 to September 2022, the programme is working with several creative brands and individuals whose products are showcased and sold at this living retail “design laboratory”. Current participants include Nondwe Nyathi, Jenine Allchin, Anele Nono, Malibongwe Nohesi, Ado Ludidi, Sizwe Shumane, and Richard Mandongwe, who are now “graduating” as they exit the programme in the next few months.
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“For me to be here at Design Lab,” says Shumane, “is a big thing for me. Ever since I started making my art here in Cape Town my wish was to come to the Watershed to sell my designs. I make a sale every time I am here, especially my rings. People love my rings – and the brooches! This has pushed me to come up with other new designs.”
After this incredible learning experience ends for the first cohort, these participants will be well prepared for their next commercial steps in the form of future market stalls and outlets, as well as potentially their own space at the Watershed. They will continue to receive mentorship and support opportunities from the CDI.
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For the next intake of Design Lab participants, CDI and V&A Waterfront are looking to identify 4-5 new designers to move through the programme, commencing mid-year with training and with the selected creative entrepreneurs entering the Design Lab store in September 2022 for one year.
For more information visit https://www.thecdi.org.za or https://www.waterfront.co.za/area/watershed/.
