Forum for an Attitude

16.10.2015 – 14.02.2016

Vitra Design Museum Gallery

An exhibition of Depot Basel in collaboration with Vitra Design Museum

What is the ambition of designers today? Why did they become designers? What kind of social influence do they hope to achieve? What image of design is conveyed to society? And how can an attitude be expressed in design? The exhibition »Forum for an Attitude« (16.10.2015 – 14.02.2016) considers these questions and presents answers and positions on the topic. Through a presentation of the works, objects, texts and infographics, it analyzes what drives contemporary designers and how their attitude is reflected in their creative output. In addition to the exhibition at the Vitra Design Museum Gallery, five multi-day events will be held at Depot Basel on various focal themes.
The exhibition describes design as a versatile discipline. Works are shown by 24 contemporary designers who are just starting out on their professional career. The exhibition organizers wanted to know from them as well: What are the convictions that compel them to act as designers? What are the underlying motives behind their investigations and suggestions?
Five multi-day forums taking place from November to January at Depot Basel, each dedicated to a different topic, offer a platform for amicable, professional exchange among designers, non-designers, practitioners, thinkers and amateurs. The titles of the events are »Solidarity«, »Visibility«, »Intuition«, »Knowledge« and »Tools«. A small publication coming out in April 2016 will document the most important findings and highlights of the »Forum for an Attitude«. The Vitra Design Museum presents the »Forum for an Attitude« in association with the major exhibition »The Bauhaus #itsalldesign« (26.09.2015 – 28.02.2016), which explores the Bauhaus concept of design – while also considering the influence of the Bauhaus on the work of contemporary designers and their own attitudes and understanding of design.
Depot Basel – a place for contemporary design was launched in June 2011 as an independent initiative and is now based in the St. Johann district of Basel. Today the organisation is directed by Matylda Krzykowski and Rebekka Kiesewetter with the regular support of partners and helpers, designers and non-designers. All participants share a belief in the importance and urgency of the theoretical and practical engagement with design and its presentation, mediation and promotion as a topic relevant to society.