Dutch designers to partner with Ugandan counterparts

Seven Dutch companies and institutions are set to fly into the country to work with seven Ugandan counterparts to help build their capacities and forge partnerships.

This will happen at the first ever Dutch Design Mission organized by a collaboration space for creative and enterprising people; Design Hub Kampala and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Kampala from February 12 to 17.

"The Dutch creative industry is one of the key sectors of the Dutch government. Dutch design has become a world famous export product.

"The Dutch creative industry is currently gaining considerable international acclaim and has particularly strong profiles in architecture, fashion, gaming, design, media and entertainment," read a statement announcing the mission.

"How the Dutch have promoted its creative industry is an inspiring example of how an industry can grow if stakeholders come together. What are the success factors of the Dutch approach? Is there something for Uganda that we can learn from this approach?"

The Dutch companies and institutions flying into the country are Flex/Design, Proud Design, Beroepsvereniging Nederlandse Ontwerpers, Hogeschool van de Kunsten Utrecht, Generous Minds, MVO Nederland/Twentyone and TUNGA

Uganda's participants will be Design without Borders, Add Value Creators, Made in Africa TV, Adengo Architects, Kyambogo University arts faculty, Martyrs University and Mango Tree Education Enterprises.

Jantien Zuurbier, the director of Design Hub Kampala says the two sets of companies and institutions will work on projects jointly.

"This kind of engagement brings new knowledge, ideas to our local companies. We need to be more innovative as Ugandans."