TORONTO, Aug. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Presented by Design Exchange (DX), sponsored by The Walt Disney Company Canada and produced by Giant Containers, Mickey Mouse's Home of the Future design competition has exclusively called upon OCAD University - Canada's largest and most comprehensive art, design, media university– to reimagine the home for one of the most beloved characters of all time. Winners of the competition will have their creations come to life and debuted at the first ever EDIT: Expo for Design, Innovation & Technology in downtown Toronto September 28 to October 8, 2017.
"Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney himself back in 1928. He is one of the most iconic characters of our time. Although almost turning 90th, Mickey has remained as relevant as ever. And that's because, at his core, he's an innovator, one who leads with optimism and strives to relate to all his fans," says Janice Lau-Pearson, Head of Franchise, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive, Canada. "At our first encounter with EDIT, we recognized immediately the perfect alignment in our messaging. Mickey Mouse's Home of the Future is our way of inspiring creativity, while telling the important story of sustainability, with the hopes we can help elicit positive change for generations to come."
"We take pride in knowing that our artists and designers address some of the complex challenges that we face in our world today – from social justice, to health and environmental sustainability," says Gillian Siddall, Vice President, Academic & Provost, OCAD University. "This collaboration is fitting and very much aligned with our belief as a university, that creativity and imagination can improve the world."
"Giant Containers prides itself on pushing the limits of what can be achieved with a great idea and a simple shipping container. We couldn't be more thrilled to partner with innovative cultural institutions such as the DX and Disney. Fuelled by the bright minds of OCAD University students, sustainable living has transformed from a mere thought to reality," states Daniel Kroft, Vice President of Giant Containers.
Industry experts Shauna Levy (President & CEO of the Design Exchange), Dr. Sara Diamond (President and Vice-Chancellor, OCAD University), Jana Macalik (Associate Dean, Faculty of Design,OCAD University), Janice Lau-Pearson (Head of Franchise, Disney Consumer Products and Interactive, Canada), Daniel Kroft (Vice President of Giant Containers), Gordon Kroft (President & CEO of Giant Containers), Yasmin Sahni (Creative Director of VICE media) and John Tong (Founding Principal and Executive Creative Director of tongtong) will act as the panel of judges.
"Design can truly transform our lives for the better, and yet the power of design often goes unnoticed," says Shauna Levy, President and CEO of Design Exchange. "The aim of EDIT is to bring that transformative power to the general public, and in this spirit we have collaborated with Disney – a brand beloved worldwide. At EDIT, people will get to experience Mickey Mouse's Home of the Future and see how innovative solutions are brought to life through design."
About EDIT
Change the world by design. EDIT is a 150,000-square-foot immersive experience that envisions a world transformed by unparalleled design, innovation and technology solutions. Produced by Design Exchange, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this ground-breaking inaugural festival will ignite conversations through an array of curated exhibits, compelling talks, and inspiring installations. Inviting some 100,000 visitors to East Harbour (formerly Unilever soap factory) located next to Toronto's Port Lands, EDIT challenges visitors and participants to consider how we can make the world a better place. Together. www.editdx.org @editdx #editdx
About The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international entertainment and media enterprise with four business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, and consumer products and interactive media. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of $55.6 billion in its Fiscal Year 2016.
About OCAD University (OCAD U)
OCAD University (www.ocadu.ca) is Canada's university of the imagination. Founded in 1876, the university is dedicated to art, design and digital media education, practice and research, and to knowledge and invention across a wide range of disciplines.
About Giant Containers
Giant Containers provides creative enclosure solutions to both companies and individuals, with industry-leading customer service, cutting edge ideas and quality materials. The company does this all while providing an unrivalled attention to detail and craftsmanship. Giant Containers pushes the limits of what can be achieved with a great idea and a simple shipping container. The final result often speaks for itself.
SOURCE Design Exchange
For interviews, images and additional information surrounding EDIT, contact Faulhaber Communications: Lexi Pathak, [email protected] 416.504.0786 x 227, Jackie Pare, [email protected] 416.504.0786 x 249
Share this article