Lexus International has called for entries for the Lexus Design Award 2018, an international design competition supporting up-and-coming designers and creators worldwide.

Entries for the award, which started on July 24 will run till October 8.

Launched in 2013, the award is an international platform to identify and recognise the next generation of global creators and designers, whose works can contribute to society and help shape a better future.

Every year, thousands of young creative talents from around the world aspire to be selected for the final round where 12 finalists and their works will be introduced and displayed to the design community at the Lexus experiential space at Milan Design Week 2018.

Following this, four of the finalists will be chosen and mentored by established global designers, who will share their know-how and provide hands-on support, said the statement.

They will also be given a production budget of JPY3 million ($27,288) to create actual prototypes, which will be exhibited at one of the design calendar’s most important events, it said.

In addition to the unique mentorship opportunity and global exposure, young designers are drawn to the event by the inspiring theme that provides endless possibilities from a design perspective.

This year’s creative theme for the Lexus Design Award 2018 is ‘CO-’, a Latin prefix meaning ‘with or together in harmony’, echoing the brand’s core philosphy that great design can ensure the harmonious coexistence of nature and society, it added.

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa (Mena) representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “This year’s theme, ‘CO-', symbolises Lexus’ belief in the power of design, and provides applicants with an inspiring topic around which to present their creative ideas that help make the world a better place.”

The judges – who will be announced in August 2017 and are globally recognised illustrious creators, active in diverse design genres – will then assess the four prototypes, based on the interpretation of the ‘CO-’ theme and how consistent the design is with the Lexus Design goal of making the world a better place, to choose the Grand Prix winner for 2018.

Previous winners have gone on to enjoy success and further develop their ideas into viable products, it added.

Applicants can find more information about the application process through LexusDesignAward.com, it stated. – TradeArabia News Service