Continuing their support for emerging talent, imm cologne has officially launched the 18th edition of its prestigious Pure Talents Contest 2021, hosted by the Interior Business Event of the fair, and devoted to promoting emerging talent the world over.
The competition provides up-and-coming designers with the chance to display prototypes of their work, while also serving as a springboard for many to kick-start their career in the design industry.
With original concepts and a strong focus on sustainable products, the contest is revered for its innovative spirit and intelligent designs that aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Over the last seventeen years, a total of 476 products and 526 global designers have presented their work at imm’s contest, with many of the products having found their way into the collections of well-known manufacturers.
“Students and young freelancers are the first to be hit by the emerging economic downturn. But paradoxically, they are the last to be considered when it comes to providing assistance. In my view, if we are able to host a trade fair during a pandemic, we must also remain committed to our measures to support young designers, having positioned ourselves as their trusted partner for so many years. This is something we won’t give up on so easily,” explains imm cologne Director Claire Steinbrück.
“Our commitment to the Pure Talents Contest has come from imm cologne itself from the outset, and staging the competition is also worthwhile from an industry perspective because it introduces new talent to the market and makes it richer and more progressive in the long run.”
Next year the event will include a dedicated LivingKitchen Selection to mark the biannual kitchen event and the second awarding of the contest’s Audience Prize, chosen on Instagram, which ensures equal opportunities for all participants.
As coronavirus has posed new challenges for the global design industry and the Pure Talents Contest, the organisers will continue to make use of digital platforms, with the registration process being digital and the presentation of the nominees, which will take place exclusively via digital media to ensure everyone will be able to participate no matter the location.
The jury will select four standout designs from the exhibited products on the first day of the trade fair, the first-, second- and third-prize winners – who will receive Euro 3000, 2000 and 1000 respectively – as well as the winner of the LivingKitchen Selection, who will receive Euro 3,000 in prize money. The Audience Prize, which debuted successfully last year, will also be awarded again: The public will vote on Instagram, and the chosen winner will take home Euro 1000 in prize money.
Design students from all over the world, as well as design graduates from all countries who received their degree no more than three years ago, may enter the Pure Talents Contest 2021.
The deadline for entries is 17th September 2020. Entering the contest and appearing in the Pure Talents Contest exhibition for those nominated is free of charge for the designers.
Those interested in entering can find more information on the contest and conditions of participation, as well as information on previous contestants and their submission at imm-cologne.de/puretalentscontest
