Set Design Contest
Design the set for the next TEDxKanata event!
TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) is a global set of conferences run by the private non-profit Sapling Foundation, under the slogan “Ideas Worth Spreading”. These ideas are shared in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or less). TED was founded in 1984 as a one-off event, the annual conference series began in 1990. TED’s early emphasis was technology and design, consistent with its Silicon Valley origins, but it has since broadened its focus to include talks from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages.
In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world. TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event is a local, self-organized event that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection.
The Kanata area is home to fascinating people with extraordinary ideas. With so much talent in our own backyard, we wanted to share the deep expertise and insight of a select few that are leading the charge. TEDxKanata provides a platform for presenters, artists and thinkers to come together and share their passions, ideas and visions within an underlying theme. The first TEDxKanata took place in March 2015, exploding on social media with a total twitter reach of over 953,000 and 36,900 YouTube views. Our event last year in 2017 generated more than 2.5 million impressions and was trending in Ottawa within the first 30 mins of the event! With a new rooster of engaging speaker’s having been chosen, we plan to repeat the success and inspire our growing community, The TEDxKanata Set Design Contest provides an opportunity for our creative community to express their talents on an open canvas that is the conference stage.
Are you a design student, architect or artist looking to make an impression? Join the challenge of creating a set design for TEDxKanata 2018 that is simple, yet innovative and embodies the event theme “Re:Design” (a concept referencing all the ways we are redesigning our society, our culture and the status quo). Show us your creative interpretation of what this theme means to you.
The contest is open to any individual or team from Ottawa or the local Kanata community. If you would like to be considered for this opportunity please send us your set design proposal by January 15, 2018. The winners will be announced on January 19, 2018 and will have approx. 5 1/2 weeks to build and complete their design. The winning design will be featured on the TEDxKanata stage on March 1, 2018 and will live-on in speaker videos after the conference, on YouTube, Flickr and TEDxKanata.com.
Click here to download a PDF with all details.
Create a set design that will enhance both the live event and the TEDx speaker videos. Ensure the set design fits within the technical specifications of the stage and can be set up fairly quickly. Depending on the hotel schedule, you may only have a few hours to set up. All pieces and props on the stage must be static and should not distract the audience or speakers. No moving pieces or visuals should be incorporated into the design.
The winning designers or teams will have a budget of $1,000 to build and install the set. Design proposals should include a budget estimate and cost outline for the completed set design. 100% of the budget should be used towards materials and cannot be allocated towards design fees. You also cannot keep any leftover cash!
The winning designer or team will be responsible for the complete build and teardown of the set. Please note that TEDxKanata does not have a studio or workshop space available for set building or storage.
All designers are responsible for the transportation, installation and teardown of all pieces. Set-up and teardown may need to take place on the same date depending on the venue schedule.
The screen and black drapes leading up to the ceiling will be supplied. Any special lighting effects will have to be cleared with the video production team. The TEDxKanata letters must be included and cannot be obstructed (see photo of last year’s stage below for reference). The screen will be located in the same position off to the left side of the stage, and you should integrate the round red carpet that the speakers will stand on. The backdrop, props or visual elements of the overall design is up to you! Note: Final designs may be altered at the discretion of TEDxKanata.
All interested applicants are asked to email their proposal to info@tedxkanata.com by January 15, 2017. In the email, please provide your contact information and attach your design proposal in PDF format (File size should not exceed 5MB). Design proposals may consist of a simple drawing or rendering (does not have to be a full blown technical illustration). Include a list of materials, costs and dimensions.
Want your design to stand out? Create an environmentally friendly design. This means sourcing locally if you can, reducing waste, being energy efficient and embracing environmentally sustainable design practices with the use of eco-friendly products.