Starting this year, we will present a programme on an annual schedule. This will allow us to better connect with our audience, education, partners and funds. Between 2008 and 2019, we organized 7 editions of Graphic Matters (until 2016 Graphic Design Festival Breda). From this followed dozens of international presentations; from lectures to museum exhibitions. But this biennial format got in the way of the organization’s development, and the relationship with education was difficult to maintain as a result.
However, hundreds of young designers were given a stage, or developed their skills, which positively influenced their practice. Over the years it became clear that our passion lies with socially engaged, visually idiosyncratic and critical designers. Less and less often we showed commercial commissions. The focus shifted to showing self-initiated projects. In recent years, we worked with designers as co-producers to take these projects a step further.
After the 2019 edition, we took time to reflect and think about a different format. Due to covid, this period took longer than planned. But experimentation was possible. This led to new forms of presentation and a working method that offers more space for the artistic development of the creators we work with.
As in previous years, the power of visual communication is still central. We focus on two target groups; the creators of visual culture, we inspire and motivate them to become even better. And their predominantly young audience; especially the generation growing up now and very familiar with images, but insufficiently aware of their power and impact.
Photo by Joost van Asch
Activity Programme
Our programme focuses on presentation, knowledge sharing and talent development. Next spring we will present an exhibition around a topical and international theme with work by various makers. This includes a side program with introductions, workshops and lectures that will be of interest to both young people and designers.
In the form of an Open Call we organize a poster competition for intermediate and higher vocational students based on a current social theme.
This year we are organizing our Summer School for the third time. Young designers from all over Europe can participate in four master classes given by international designers. Besides a lot of fun, participants develop their skills and get to know other young designers.
In the 3sec.gallery you can admire four different poster exhibitions again this year, where more than 1 million people pass by every year. Young, international designers are given room to experiment in this place. Once a year the posters from the 3sec.gallery are for sale during our Poster Sale. As a result, about 150 posters end up in homes across the country every year.
In the coming year we will focus even more on creating online content, the education program, co-productions and our national and international position.
Kick-off
From biennial festival to ongoing programming: a special change that we already celebrated with our partners on Thursday, Jan. 26. Designer Richard Niessen provided a lecture and announced the first project. Graphic Matters founder Dennis Elbers explained the annual program, which can be read above in outline. We also presented the limited edition of our Copper Monday print. Three special works by designer Henk Cornelissen were reproduced, you can order these signed and numbered prints in our webshop.
Photo by Joost van Asch
Keep following us to stay up to date with everything that’s going on, we’d love to take you along!
