Ebrahim K Kanoo, the sole distributor of Lexus in Bahrain, has invited entries from all the design enthusiasts in the kingdom for the Lexus Design Award 2016.

First launched in 2013, the Lexus Design Award 2016 is an international design competition aimed at supporting up-and-coming designers from around the world, said the statement from the company.

The theme for the Lexus Design Award 2016 is "Anticipation", and this year's applicants are encouraged to submit innovative designs and unique interpretations that are true to the essence of the theme, it said.

The event provides an opportunity for 12 finalists and their works to receive an introduction to the design community and beyond at Milan Design Week 2016, it added.

In addition, four of the finalists will develop prototypes of their designs while receiving support from globally recognised design mentors.

The maximum production budget allotted to the development of each prototype will be increased to 3 million yen ($25,220), said the statement.

The finalists will present their designs in the Lexus booth, after which the Grand Prix winner will be selected from among the four prototypes through final review by the judges, it said.

Prior winners of the Lexus Design Award are actively displaying their talents around the world.

Mark Templin, executive vice president of Lexus International, said: “For Lexus Design Award 2015, finalists gave presentations at the Milan Design Week, which helped make the award a huge success. Whatever the field of design, we encourage applicants for 2016 to submit their most creative ideas that are aligned with our theme of Anticipation."

Takayuki Yoshitsugu, chief representative, Middle East and North Africa Representative Office, Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “Over the last three years, the Lexus Design Award has resulted in the discovery of many talented designers while providing a unique opportunity for finalists to benefit from the experience of being mentored by acclaimed designers and then exhibit their design prototypes at one of the design calendar's most important events.”

“We look forward to the 2016 edition and experiencing new ideas from gifted designers all around the world. We would also like to acknowledge the support from our customers who have appreciated the novelty and fresh ideas that have emerged as a result of this award,” he added.

Ayman Shehadeh, Toyota and Lexus marketing manager at Ebrahim K Kanoo, said: “This year, I am pleased to announce this globally acclaimed competition to the young creative talent of Bahrain. We encourage everybody to participate in the event to showcase their designs at the Milan Design Week 2016.”

The entries will be accepted from September 1 to October 18, and the 12 finalists will be announced in early 2016. – TradeArabia News Service