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comfort zones, to challenge themselves, have fun
and enjoy being away from the humdrum of the everyday. – Has it been difficult convincing the best Irish and international designers and creatives to travel to the wild west of Ireland to take part in this? Not that difficult. People are hankering for an escape, an opportunity to switch off and recharge. In fact, I think it’s easier to get top designers like Artur Rebelo, Isidro Ferrer and René Knip to a place like Connemara than it is to get them to Dublin. Photographs of the location don’t really do it justice. I remember bringing Noelle and Colin from Unthink down for their first visit to see the location and the workshops, they were amazed. You really have to go there to appreciate it. And the people at GMIT Letterfrack are so positive – nothing is impossible. – What’s a typical day and week like for your school attendees? Although we meet on campus every morning, every day is different. There might be a presentation by a leading international designer, a demonstration in the workshops by one of the amazing GMIT technicians, one-to-one tutorials with participants, group discussions on project briefs, an impromptu gig by a visiting musician. Afternoons are generally about excursions and field trips – Inishbofin, Killary Fjord, Diamond Hill, surfing at Ballyconneely, visits to artists’ studios and local food producers – there is so much to do. Evenings might include a screening at the beautiful AV Theatre in Connemara National Park, an exhibition opening, a barbecue on the beach, conversations in the pub. We work towards producing a small exhibition at the end of the two weeks and it’s astonishing to see what can be produced in this inspirational environment. – What are the habits you’re looking to break or the new skills you’re trying to nurture in each of the participants? To fight the impulse to reach for your laptop! Top left: Diamond Hill and GMIT campusBottom left: Sean Sills with a student; Above: NCAD’s Caoimhe McMahon giving a workshop; Above right: Typeface by Leonor Carvalho Below right: Student work Design West runs from Saturday June 22 to Friday July 5. International speakers include Dutch designer René Knip, Japanese Art Director and Designer Yuki Sugiyama (Hakuhodo Inc.) and Ken Deegan and Brankica Harvey, Associate Partners and Designers at Pentagram New York. The fee for the full two-week programme is €1800 which includes the opening and closing reception meals, accommodation, tuition, presentations, excursions, access to workshops and technicians, screenings and social events. designwest.eu Experiment a little at first with found materials, wood, paper (remember that?) and then go back to the computer if you need to. When doing your research go for a walk or a cycle, talk to people, talk to the amazing designers who have come to work with you, pick up the local produce, make a mark in the sand, get out of your comfort zone and make something new. – What have been the biggest challenges in getting your idea off the ground? Again, I’ve been very lucky here. I’ve had tremendous support from the creative community both at home and abroad, from practitioners and educators. My core team have been nothing short of brilliant – GMIT Letterfrack, Core, Unthink, Or Studio, Design Factory, National Print Museum, Ken and BK at Pentagram, Martin Wright – all passionate and enthusiastic about the concept. The only real challenge is to keep up the communications and the quality of the experience. A pleasure so far. – Your most memorable moment so far? Standing at the crossroads in Letterfrack on the opening night and meeting the people arriving at our summer school from Japan, Uruguay, Mexico, Portugal, Spain, Germany, France, Belgium, Poland and all around Ireland… it was incredible. Over the two weeks, 12 countries were represented between tutors and students. The world came to us, a nice feeling. Driving renowned designers Artur Rebelo (Porto) and Isidro Ferrer (Spain) along the Sky Road from Clifden to Letterfrack was also special, incredible views – not a word out of them, just big grins, followed by an Irish coffee in Rosleague Manor Hotel. Awesome. 17