Dublin’s bold bid for the designation of World Design City 2014 has come up short as Cape Town, South Africa emerged from the final round the winner today over Ireland’s capital and Bilboa, Spain. The Cape Town delegation was reportedly there in force when the announcement was made at the International Design Alliance Congress in Taipei.

Cape Town is the fourth city to win this biennial appointment and the first in Africa.
Making the traditional conciliatory comments about the unsuccessful finalists, president of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid).

Dr. Mark Breitenberg said, “The decision for the Selection Committee was not easy given the high calibre of the bids that were considered amongst the final candidates. The promise of Cape Town’s approach to broaden the scope of the World Design Capital and shape the future of this initiative, were the deciding factors that ultimately led to the city’s appointment for 2014. Cape Town has the strongest claim on a new chapter for Icsid as the World Design Capital.”

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A Twitter stream of good luck messages flowed towards Pivot Dublin, the Irish bid organizers, before the announcement and 140 character expressions of regrets and thanks surfaced after the decision was announced.

@loft27design: Thoroughly disappointed @PivotDublin didn't win #WDC2014 — What an amazing effort!

@davidfwall: Congratulations Cape Town on becoming #wdc2014Even bigger congratulations to@PivotDublin - you did us proud.

@stranded_aoife: sad to hear@PivotDublin lost out on 2014DesignCapital to Cape Town,but well done on a great bid that showcased the strength of irish design

@wearedesigngoat: Congrats to@PivotDublin for starting something great. Lets hope the spirit stays alive in Dublin.

On Facebook Pivot Dublin posted:

“A great big thanks to all who have backed Dublin's #wdc2014 bid – it has been fantastic! Support for the bid has shown our potential to connect and unleash Dublin's design resources and we're really looking forward to the next steps in making the city a better place through design”.

One Facebook response seemed to summarize the mood “Next time. Congratulations and commiserations rolled into one”.

Dublin’s bid was a joint venture between the four local authorities of the greater Dublin area: Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council and Dún Laoghaire – Rathdown County Council. It was led and coordinated by City Architect’s Division, Dublin City Council. They branded their bid as 'Pivot Dublin, Turn Design Inside Out', an effort distinguished by an expanded vision of design that included architecture and graphic design, of course, but also fashion, video, photography, film and digital media.

Heavyweight Beijing was among the 56 cities bidding for the title, so Dublin’s “medal stand” finish is a remarkable achievement.

Pivot Dublin, hours after the announcement, is complete forward facing. Its website says “Congratulations to Capetown WDC 2014. Now, let’s build on the work we’ve done in Dublin.” 

There’s information on a completion to select members of a design team to represent Pivot Dublin in Helsinki, the 2012 World Design City, and news of its “seed project” workshop to develop design solutions for Dublin’s future.

On Twitter @originstudio summed it up the general mood: “It was and is a brilliant bid, team and effort. Hate losing anything!! but know Dublin and Ireland is already better for it all.”
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MEDIA PINGS

Great night had by all at the Irish American Writers & Artists Eugene O’Neill Award honoring Irish Rep founders Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly (though I’m biased as I’m on the advisory board.)...Thanks to Gabriel Byrne for being the award presenter....and thanks to all the volunteers who pulled the event together including our charming reception committee…


IAW&A member Roisin Fitzpatrick sparkled at the opening of her exhibit at the Consulate General of Ireland New York. Her exhibit runs through Nov. 30 and is open by appointment For appointments please email info@Artist of the Light...


The Stinging Fly is buzzing about NYC for two more nights—click here for all the details...Next IAW&A Salon is Tues., Nov 1 at the Thalia Café on 95th and Broadway. Members get to use the open mic, but all are welcome to attend. Starts at 7PM (but get there earlier for happy hour prices!)