International Council of Societies of Industrial Design expands - Montréal cements its status as a major design hub

MONTREAL, Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Dilki de Silva, Secretary General of the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid), and Jacques St-Laurent, President and CEO of Montréal International (MI), are pleased to announce the expansion of Icsid in the metropolis. The announcement, which was made in the presence of Helen Fotopulos—the City of Montréal's Executive Committee member for Culture, Heritage, Design & Status of Women—cements Montréal's unique position as the city of design and creativity, bringing together many major, strategic international design organizations.

Since establishing in Montréal in 2005, Icsid has undergone significant growth, in part, thanks to its World Design Capital® (WDC) program. This initiative, which attracts a great deal of international interest, enables cities to showcase their creativity and accomplishments with regards to the promotion of design projects as well as highlights the initiatives aimed at urban revitalization. Since the program was launched in 2004, four cities have been named World Design Capitals: Torino, Seoul, Helsinki and Cape Town.

In the wake of the WDC program's runaway success, Icsid is today announcing the creation of five additional jobs in Montréal by the first quarter of 2013. "The decision to grow within Montréal is strategic as it allows us to expand within the existing Icsid Secretariat team already settled in Montréal. The City of Montréal also provides an excellent location and environment for receiving international delegations," said Dilki de Silva, Secretary General of Icsid.

The organization will receive financial support as part of the Fonds de développement International de Montréal [fund for the international development of Montréal] (FODIM). The purpose of the fund, which was created in 1992 as a collaboration between the Governments of Canada and Québec and the City of Montréal, is to increase the presence of international organizations in Montréal.

Design enhancing the city's international status

President and CEO of Montréal International, Jacques St-Laurent, pointed out that this decision was the result of ongoing collaboration between MI and Icsid to develop new prospects. "The development of the WDC initiative has solidified Icsid's presence in Montréal and will attract many influential actors from the design world. This decision has significant economic spinoffs and further enhances the international status of our city."

Québec Minister of International Relations and Minister responsible for La Francophonie, Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, highlighted the importance of design for Québeckers. "Québec ranks among the most innovative and creative societies in the world. The combination of six universities offering design programs and the presence of key industry players and international organizations are clear proof that design and creativity are fully integrated into the Québec culture."

The Icsid Secretariat staff will pursue their collaborations with other international organizations such as the International Council of Graphic Design Associations (Icograda), the International Federation of Interior Architects / Designers (IFI) and with local partners such as the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the City of Montréal. The organization will also continue to support the activities of their local affiliates that include Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) Mission Design and the University of Montréal.

"Our administration sees Montréal as fully committed to the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a city of design. In 2017, we will host the first World Summit and Congress of Architecture, Design and Planning, proof that we have carved ourselves a choice position in the international design industry. Today's announcement further cements this position," said Helen Fotopulos, the City of Montréal's Executive Committee member for Culture, Heritage, Design & Status of Women.

About the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid)
The International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid) is a non-profit organisation that protects and promotes the interests of the profession of industrial design. Founded in 1957, Icsid serves as a unified voice of over 50 nations through which members can express their views and be heard on an international platform. Since its inception, Icsid has continued to develop its wide-reaching network of students and professionals devoted to the recognition, success and growth of the industrial design community. Together, professional associations, promotional societies, educational institutions, government bodies and corporations create a comprehensive and diverse system on the forefront of industrial design education and progress. www.icsid.org

About World Design Capital® (WDC)
While there are many awards that recognise individual accomplishments in design, the World Design Capital designation is unique as it aims to focus on the broader essence of design's impact on urban spaces, economies and citizens. The designation provides a distinctive opportunity for cities to feature their accomplishments in attracting and promoting innovative design, as well as highlight their successes in urban revitalization strategies.

The World Design Capital® is an initiative established and managed by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. Past cities to hold the title include Torino (Italy) in 2008 and Seoul (South Korea) in 2010. The City of Helsinki (Finland) is currently implementing its programme for 2012 under the theme of Open Helsinki: Embedding Design in Life, whilst preparations for Cape Town (South Africa) are underway for 2014. The application process for the WDC 2016 designation will be launched in late 2012. www.worlddesigncapital.com

About Montréal International
Created in 1996, Montréal International (MI) is the result of a private-public partnership. Its mission is to contribute to the economic development of Greater Montréal and enhance its international status. Its mandate is to attract foreign investment, international organizations and qualified foreign workers as well as promoting the competitive and international environment of Greater Montréal. Montréal International—a non-profit organization—is financed by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal (Montréal Metropolitan Community) and the City of Montréal.

Since its creation, Montréal International has helped to attract $8.7 billion in foreign investment to Greater Montréal. From these investments, more than 47,000 jobs have been created or maintained. To date, MI's activities have also allowed almost half of some 65 international organizations to establish themselves in the city and, attract and retain, more than 7,500 qualified foreign workers. To learn more, please visit MI Web site at: www.montrealinternational.com.

SOURCE: MONTREAL INTERNATIONAL

Céline Clément
Communications Advisor
Montréal International 
514 987-9317
[email protected]

Natalie Dutil 
Communications Officer
International Council of Societies of Industrial Design (Icsid)
514 448-4949 # 223
[email protected]