Seven diverse projects by Icelandic designers received grants from the Aurora Design Fund at its 12th annual distribution ceremony on Tuesday, three of which were in fashion design. Fifty entries were made. The jury seeks to select projects which are thought to be constructive for society.
The projects include the development of new product brand inspired by visual art and the powers of herbs, the marketing of a well-known Icelandic brand in the U.S., the design and marketing of a new font and a product designed to increase the wellbeing of young children.
Further, the research project of a recently-graduated architect was funded, along with the publication of a new design magazine and a clothing brand establishing itself on the domestic market.
The design fund is part of the Aurora Foundation’s projects, which is also involved in supporting small businesses in overseas. Earlier this month loan agreements with two micro-finance companies in Freetown, Sierra Leone, were signed.
Founded by Icelandic entrepreneur couple Ingibjörg Kristjánsdóttir and Ólafur Ólafsson in 2007, Aurora aims “to enhance and strengthen cultural and humanitarian activities in Iceland and abroad. Emphasis is focused on supporting projects that can make a difference, that inject hope and optimism into a community,” the foundation’s website reads.
