Event information
Four local creative brands have been selected by the Craft and Design Institute non-profit and the V&A Waterfront to sell products at the Design Lab.
The four businesses selected for this opportunity are Janet Ceramics by Janet Lightbody, which creates ceramics for the home; Rainbow Artz by Tavengwa Dahwa, which specialises in wire sculptures; Diana Seboke Zitha who is a crochet artist and Wilderblommetjies by Melony Williams, which creates water flower-inspired clothing for children.
The Design Lab is a living retail “laboratory”, located at the V&A Waterfront, that supports up-and-coming creatives through mentorship, training and other assistance programmes which allow the brands to set up shop in a supportive environment. The location inside the V&A Waterfront, one of the city's biggest tourist attractions, means each brand gets a hands-on experience in every aspect of a business in a thriving market.
Support for each business is ongoing, including from Business and Arts South Africa, and members of the public are able to support these businesses as well with purchasing power. Through the Design Lab initiative, which was founded in 2021, creative businesses get the opportunity to grow and thrive.