Each year, Semi Permanent takes the opportunity to explore a universal idea that we feel is most relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the time. For 2022, we introduce the platform ‘PERSPECTIVE’.
After two years in which our lives were disrupted by the pandemic, so too has our perspective on the future completely shifted. The way we look at the world has changed, and with this foresight comes a different approach to engaging with the world around us. Fittingly, the year marks the 50th anniversary of art critic John Berger’s seminal television series and essay, Ways of Seeing, which exposed the hidden ideologies that exist in visual images, arming generations since with the tools to understand and dissect imagery. At a time when traditional binaries are being dismantled — whether sexual, political, cultural or creative — the year ahead seems a timely moment to reassess the lens that we place on our past, present and future, and to make room for new and varied perspectives.
Just like the Semi Permanent that you know and love, this festival is anchored by an extensive program of talks, interviews, conversations and presentations and comprises an unrivalled line-up of some of the creative industry’s best in class in the Asia Pacific region and beyond. Honouring our design origin, we’ll welcome the likes of Canadian-born designer and innovator Bruce Mau and master type designer Kris Sowersby to the main stage, with each offering unique insights into their individual practices.
But we’ll also take you beyond the traditional bounds of creativity, with talks by Briar Grace-Smith, a filmmaker and one of New Zealand's most celebrated writers of award-winning plays, screenplays, short fiction and television scripts; iconic fashion designer and businesswoman Karen Walker; the co-founders of micro-brewery Garage Projects, Jos Ruffel; and director and producer Florian Habicht.
It doesn’t end there, though. Having completely reimagined the event experience, we’re also breaking free from the auditorium to offer you a richer and multi-sensory experience this year. From bespoke workshops and film screenings to exhibitions, book and product launches, and completely unique dining offerings, this is Semi Permanent 2.0, and we’re excited to see you there. Stay tuned for more.
