Design Indabar presented by Grolsch

Under a gorgeous Camps Bay summer sky, in a setting overlooking the sun-kissed ocean and the world-famous 12 Apostles, Design Indabar presented by Grolsch launched on 10 November 2010.

Design Indabar comprises two shipping containers that open up using hydraulic technology. Presented by Grolsch as a testimony to their spirit of unconventional creative and independent thinking, one container hosts a bar while the other serves as a multi-functional mobile gallery. Designed by Fly Pitcher in collaboration with Design Indaba, the interior and exterior surfaces of the Design Indabar can be used to project art, film, design and the like.

Ravi Naidoo, the innovator of the bar, in conjunction with Design Indaba, describes the bar as “part bar, part art installation”, representing the originality and creativity of both the Grolsch and Design Indaba brands. Naidoo says the Design Indabar is “creativity on tour” as the portable bar was built as an extension of the creativity showcased by the Design Indaba wherever it is held throughout the country.

Grolsch, the Dutch beer brand, was the ideal partner for the concept, lending its independent and imaginative essence to the Design Indabar. Grolsch marketing manager, Mashinka Fourie said the Design Indabar was created by the perfect synergy between Grolsch and the Design Indaba.

Creative inspiration and thought leadership in the form of Pecha Kucha style presentations was one of the evening’s highlights. With no guidelines, other than “20 seconds to present 20 slides”, local creatives and thought-leaders talked about everything from inspiration, to design thinking, the creative process and the pulse of the design industry in South Africa. Speakers included the Blackheart Gang, Heath Nash, Danny K, Jay Pather, Hanneli Rupert, Daniel Ting Chong, Darkie, Robbie Brozin and Khaya Dlanga.

Comedian Nik Rabinowitz was the MC for the evening while guests enjoyed Groslch beer and pizza sponsored by Col’Cacchio. Cape Town cowboy and trans-blues country musician Dave Ferguson kept guests lyrically captivated with his interesting use of the harmonica.

The evening also marked the unveiling of the Grolsch chandelier design competition winners. Grolsch challenged local designers to interpret a brief to design chandeliers that embody and reflect the characteristic spirit of Grolsch. The four chosen chandelier designs by David Krynauw, Pedersen & Lennard, Imiso Ceramics and Michaella Janse van Vuuren, incorporated discarded Grolsh beer bottles in their designs, as a commitment to sustainability.

From Cape Town to Kimberly to Durban, Soweto and beyond, the Design Indabar presented by Grolsch will soon be embarking on a nationwide tour. Bringing the best in South African creativity and innovation to a location near you. This fun and unusual pop-up bar will help to spread Design Indaba’s belief that a better world is possible through creativity.