AL-KAFIYE PROJECT call for entries

KAFLAB 2012

DEADLINE: AUGUST 1, 2012

ABOUT AL-KAFIYE PROJECT

Al-Kafiye (traditional Arab male headwear) is the strongest symbol to come out of the Arab contemporary world. The story of this powerful symbol, accessory and design detail has played many parts in diverse phases and keeps adapting with globalization and time. Treading the realms of street, politics, revolution, traditional garb, trends and catwalks, this object has transcended form and various functions to become more than just a simple item, but an experience even. The core article still exists in a relatively constant variant and yet numerous distortions have popped up simultaneously.

What does this all mean? How can we use this to our advantage as Arabs especially in light of all recent events?

Change has been ignited on the streets again but we feel it is our responsibility to suggest how this change can be applied for the future and how design can play a role going forward. Using the Kafiye as a platform for change, we would like to open up new angles on Arab identity and provide stronger design tools for future generations. Only by true understanding of the elements that make us who we are today can we hope to bring change tomorrow.

Al-Kafiye project is educational and inspirational - By bringing together designers and thinkers to lay down foundations for Arab identity, we can offer generations to come a new path to uncover. A group of exceptional Arab visual artists and designers have been invited to participate in an exhibition in New York about the Kafiye. Each one will interpret an angle of the discussion according to their unique creative vision. One more participant will join the show through this open call for entry. The exhibition will be part of a bigger event/symposium and book launch on the same subject.

www.kaflab.org

COMPETITION

How do you translate and incorporate the Kafiye and what it represents in your own creative expression?

ELIGIBILITY

Any creative, artist or designer is eligible to enter.

ENTERING

• Enter up to three (3) distinct options per person.

Please send by email to info@kaflab.com:

• Full name and contact info
• Statement (250 words or less) explaining piece
• Bio (150 words or less)
• 1-6 digital images of each entry for consideration in the exhibition
• 72 dpi, JPG format, no larger than 1 MB each or PDF file not larger than 1.5 MB
• No DVDs or CD-RWs
• Please do not submit Flash, PowerPoint or Kodak picture CDs
• Video, websites or digital media can be submitted as links to external websites (Vimeo, Youtube, personally-hosted websites). 

For more information, please check our website www.kaflab.org

DEADLINE

Please make sure your email is sent by noon EST on August 1, 2012.

WHAT’S NEXT

Winner will be selected and announced to be part of the exhibition and book and will be flown to take part of the project event in NYC. Kaflab board and Al-Kafiye exhibition curator will review applications. Invitations will be extended to the winner no later than September 1, 2012. Non-winners will be contacted as well.

ABOUT KAFLAB

KAFLAB is a foundation dedicated to re-define Arab identity through design. Starting from the initial question of ‘What Arab is’, Kaflab looks to analyze the elements, symbols and icons that truly define this rich culture. Our task was to try to find a strong Arab icon as a starting point, leading us to the Kafiye. By throwing Arab identity under the microscope, we hope to open up a new array of possibilities and experiment with the elements of what makes us who we are. The outcome? Pushing boundaries, exploring trials and social change.