Hasta La Ideas

Dezeen Wire: design writer, curator and publisher of our book Max Fraser has been appointed deputy director of the London Design Festival, replacing William Knight who moved to trade show 100% Design in January.

Above portrait is by Ed Reeve

This year’s festival will take place from 15-23 September. See all our stories about last year’s festival here.

Here’s the release from Fraser:

London Design Festival appoints Max Fraser as Deputy Director

The London Design Festival today announced the appointment of Max Fraser as the Festival’s Deputy Director. Fraser, a design writer and curator, who is also publisher and editor of the London Design Guide, will start with immediate effect.

In a year when the global spotlight will be focused on London, the capital will have the ideal opportunity to broadcast its reputation as one of the world’s most creative capitals. The London Design Festival, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, can justly claim to be one of the world’s most important design events, with over 300 events taking place last year over the nine days of the Festival.

Fraser will contribute across the Festival but be specifically responsible for marketing, strategy and communications, the wider partner network and thought leadership activity.

Speaking on his appointment, Fraser commented:

“I’m delighted to be contributing to The London Design Festival’s ongoing progression and greatly look forward to strengthening its position as the highlight of the annual design calendar. My motivation has always been to celebrate and promote design excellence and the festival provides the ultimate multi-disciplinary platform to achieve this.”

Ben Evans, Director of the London Design Festival, commented:

“Max is joining the Festival team at the right time as we enter a new stage in our growth and development. His insight and experienced perspective will be invaluable. Few know design as well as Max and his network, ideas and energy will only strengthen the Festival.”

Max Fraser came onto the design scene in 2001 when he launched his first book, DESIGN UK (Conran Octopus). This early success enabled him to broaden the conversation around contemporary design across a variety of media including books, magazines, exhibitions, events and video. Having always worked for himself, he has carved a niche as a design commentator, delivering content, insights and strategy to the media as well as a variety of public and private bodies in the UK and abroad.

He is the author of several design books including DESIGNERS ON DESIGN, which he co-wrote with Sir Terence Conran. In 2009, he set up his own publishing imprint, Spotlight Press, which debuted with the sell-out publication LONDON DESIGN GUIDE. His company will continue to publish further titles.

The London Design Festival is a key constituent of London’s Autumn creative season, alongside London Fashion Week, Frieze Art Fair and the London Film Festival. Established in 2003 its role is to celebrate and promote London as the world’s creative capital and gateway to the UK’s world-class creative community.

The Festival works closely with, and receives financial support directly from, the Mayor of London – having transferring support from the London Development Agency. The London Design Festival also receives support from Arts Council England, London as a Regularly Funded Organisation for 2012/2013.