The Federal Office of Culture awards 20 design prizes
A total of 288 designers entered the Swiss Federal Design Competition in 2012. The Swiss Federal Design Commission awarded prizes to 20 groups of works by 26 designers.
This year, for the first time, the competition was held without an age limit (previously: 40 years). A look at the list of winners shows that around a fifth of the winners are over 40 years old. This ratio is also reflected in the entries. Works from the following areas have won: Graphic Design (7), Fashion and Textile Design (4), Photography (4), Products and Objects (3), Mediation (2).
The Federal Design Competition is Switzerland's oldest funding instrument in this field. As early as the end of the 19th century, the Confederation - integrated into the promotion of art - occasionally awarded prizes for applied art. In 1917, it drew up special measures to support designers. The primary aim was to promote the economy after the end of the First World War. Well-designed products that were able to promote the quality of the Swiss economy at home and abroad were to be awarded prizes. The promotion of design thus became a federal task. It recognizes that design is both a cultural and an economic asset.
Together with other measures, the Federal Design Competition forms the foundation for sustainable design promotion by the Confederation. In addition to the competition prizes, the Confederation also awards the Grands Prix Design to renowned Swiss designers who have already created a highly acclaimed body of work. The acquisition of design objects, exhibitions and publications form a consistent package of federal measures in the interest of the quality and reputation of Swiss design.
Exhibition and documentation
As of June 4, 2012, all works that have been invited to the second round of judging will be available. They are available online at Swissdesignawards.ch can be viewed here. The winning works will be shown in an exhibition at the Museum Bellerive in Zurich from October 26, 2012. The winners can choose between a cash prize of CHF 25,000, an internship or a studio residency abroad.
