Describe the main features of the measure/initiative:
The Azerbaijan Design Forum is the first design forum in the country since 2015, which brings together people working in this field every year. Its 2019 edition was held at the International Mugham Center on 23 November 2019 organized by Azerbaijan Digital Arts School and Graphic Design Azerbaijan, with the support of the Ministry of Culture.
The main purpose of the forum was is to bring together Azerbaijani designers, exchange experiences and discuss and share the most innovative approaches in the field of design.
What are the results achieved so far through the implementation of the measure/initiative?:
The event discussed the importance of the recent inclusion of Baku in the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities, as well as the importance of establishment of the Azerbaijan Design Council. The stakeholders also stressed the need to address the needs to creators, social and tax incentives that could further support design artists and students in this field.
Finally, the event noted the importance of creating a creativity centre in Baku and integrate this into the General Plan of the City that is currently being developed.
The event benefitted from keynote speeches of Emin Guluzade, head of PeopleBrand, Chingiz Safarov, managing partner of Safaroff, Vusala Karimova, representative of ADAS, Rasul Hasan, creative director of Meteor, Azer Mammadli, illustrator of Trade Mark Leo Burnett, Ziya Suleymanzade, graphic designer of Graphic Design Azerbaijan and Aliheydar Gasimov, a well-known expert in the field of advertising.