The Netherlands guest of honour at Brazilian Design Biennale

This design biennial in southern Brazil is one of the most important design events for Brazilian designers and attracts more than half a million visitors.

Overall theme of the Biennale is 'Design for all' i.e. design in everyday life and accessible to a wide audience. Curator Jorn Konijn is responsible for the focus on the Netherlands, showcasing young and socially engaged Dutch designers in the exhibition O Palácio do Povo (the Palace of the people). The Dutch exhibition will be presented in the historical museum of of Florianópolis, the former governor's palace, Palácio Cruz e Sousa.

Konijn has selected work of more than 40 Dutch designers, including works by Marjan van Aubel, Dirk van der Kooij and Elisa Joolen. Designer-artist Claudy Jongstra will design and create a special tapestry for the exhibition. Graphic designer Nikki Gonnissen (Thonik) and product designer Pieke Bergmans will design a special project in front of the museum. Following a joint workshop with University of Florianópolis, new works will be added to the exhibition during the Biennale.

The international profile of the Design Biennial has grown significantly in recent editions. Previous guests of honour were France (2006), Italy (2008), Denmark (2010) and Germany (2012).