Hala A.Malak and Tarek Atrissi have announced the launch of KAFLAB Foundation, through which they will create a community and start discourse on the Arab world through design. “Exploring sensitive and controversial topics,” they say, “will help social change and push a generation of designers to challenge the status quo and redefine identity, religion free! ”
Their first project, Al-Kafiye (traditional male headdress and more), will deal with identity and design by examining “what we believe is the strongest symbol to come out of the contemporary Arab World.” they add. “We are planning to create an event, exhibition and book around the subject.
They kick started the process with a competition. Here is what they say:
Are you fed up with stereotypes, religious assumptions and just plain haphazard design? Apply to be part of al-Kafiye project and you might be the winner! We are opening up the chance for up and coming designers to be part of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We will fly you to NYC to take part in the Kafiye event and you will have a piece exhibited in the show as well as feature in our book.
COMPETITION: How do you translate and incorporate the Kafiye and what it represents in your own creative expression?
ELIGIBILITY: Any creative, artist or designer is eligible to enter.
ENTERING: Enter up to three (3) distinct options per person.
Please send by email to info(at)kaflab(dot)com:
– Full name and contact info
– Statement (250 words or less) explaining piece
– Bio (150 words or less)
– 1-6 digital images of each entry for consideration in the exhibition
o 72 dpi, JPG format, no larger than 1 MB each or PDF file not larger than 1.5 MB
o No DVDs or CD-RWs
o Please do not submit Flash, PowerPoint or Kodak picture CDs
– Video, websites or digital media can be submitted as links to external websites (Vimeo, Youtube, personally-hosted websites)
DEADLINE: Please make sure your email is sent by noon EST on August 1, 2012.
WHAT’S NEXT: Winner will be selected and announced to be part of the exhibition and book and will be flown to take part of the project event in NYC.
Kaflab board and Al-Kafiye exhibition curator will review applications. Invitations will be extended to winner no later than September 1, 2012. Non-winners will be contacted as well.