The Charles H. Scott Gallery, Emily Carr University is in the process of organizing an exhibition focusing on Canadian Design. The exhibition will represent the work of designers from regions across Canada and will take place in conjunction with the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver with the exhibition scheduled for January 19 to March 7, 2010.

Canadian designers have been recognized for their innovative work internationally, yet seldom are there opportunities for the public to view these accomplishments. The intent of this exhibition is to engage and inform the public about the significant achievements of Canadian designers in the field of sports and recreation.

The exhibition will focus on design projects that are grounded in the Canadian context. In the global economies of the 21st century all designers work in an international context. At the same time Canadian designers are responding to the esthetic, cultural and economic considerations that are uniquely Canadian. The Canadian environment and lifestyle has been a locus for innovative design for decades. Canada is no longer seen as simply a supplier of raw materials. Our designers are now turning those materials into products that are marketed around the world.

The exhibition “High Performance: Evolution and Innovation in Canadian Design”, will be organized around Canadian design success stories presented as ‘case studies’, and include conceptual drawings and proto-types of the objects. The intent in forming the exhibition around these stories is to engage and educate the public. It will provide an opportunity for a greater depth of understanding of the design process and Canadian design products in particular. This approach will allow for a discussion of Canadian design strategies, while creating a more satisfying experience for the visitor than simply presenting a selection of current design products.

The idea of ‘High Performance’ in the context of the exhibition unites the various design objects. All well designed objects are meant to perform, yet some because of there ultimate use must perform at a high level. Examples of high performance objects are easily seen in products designed for professional or extreme sports, as well as those for rigorous outdoor activity. Canadian designers have excelled at producing innovative products for sports and recreation. The exhibition will feature products that exemplify innovative design strategies in this field.

“High Performance: Evolution and Innovation in Canadian Design” presents a unique opportunity for the public in Vancouver and the many visitors who will be attending the 2010 Olympics to gain a understanding of the significant creative contributions made by Canadian designers.

For more information about the show and submissions contact:

Greg Bellerby
Director + Curator
Charles H. Scott Gallery
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
1399 Johnston Street
Vancouver, BC, Canada
V6H 3R9

Tel 604.629.4514
Fax 604.844.3801
gbellerb@ecuad.ca

Submission Deadline: September 30, 2009

Submission Criteria: Contact Greg Bellerby by email or telephone (contact info above) to discuss your design product with him.