Irish Design Week, Day Five: Communication Design

In Conversation: THONIK – Thomas Widdershoven & Nikki Gonnissen. 7:30-8:30pm
Design & Crafts Council Ireland, in collaboration with 100 Archive, present an evening with Thomas Widdershoven and Nikki Gonnissen.

Nikki Gonnissen and Thomas Widdershoven are co-founders and creative directors of Thonik, a multidisciplinary design studio based in Amsterdam. Through strong visual identities for clients such as the broadcast corporation VPRO, Holland Festival, Museum and Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen in Rotterdam, the Power Station of Art in Shanghai, and M+ Museum for Visual Culture Hong Kong, Thonik connects important public institutions with a new, younger, and more diverse audience. Their work spans graphic, digital, and spatial design, often with the moving image as a starting point.

Beyond their work at Thonik, Nikki and Thomas have each played active roles in the design field. Nikki regularly lectures at international events, focusing on inclusion, diversity, and the empowering potential of design. She also served as International President of the Alliance Graphique Internationale, leading conferences in Seoul, Mexico, and Paris on the value of design in a rapidly changing society. Thomas, meanwhile, was creative director and chair of the Design Academy Eindhoven and curated four exhibitions at the Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven, exploring contemporary design’s impact.

An unmissable opportunity to hear from two of the leading voices in contemporary design.

Design Diplomacy. 6-7pm
Design Diplomacy is a concept developed by Helsinki Design Week, and produces unique, intimate conversations between two creative minds. During the event the international design professional meets an Irish designer over a card game of questions. Visitors will have an opportunity to experience carefully curated and unique conversations as in each situation the interlocutors meet for the first time.

Irish Designer: Joanne Byrne

Joanne Byrne is known for her expertise in interpretive design and storytelling within the built environment. With 20 years of industry experience, Joanne has successfully tackled projects across cultural, corporate, and heritage sectors. As a visiting lecturer and mentor, she brings a wealth of knowledge to this intimate conversation. Don't miss this chance to engage with a leading designer and explore the transformative power of design!

International Designer: To be announced soon!

Join us at the Royal Irish Academy of Music for an evening filled with inspiring discussions, innovative ideas, and creative collaborations. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just curious about how ideas are communicated, this event is sure to spark your imagination and ignite your passion for design.

Host or Publisher Design & Crafts Council Ireland