Launching artist residency: David Carson x Zoku
At Hooton, we launched Zoku's artist residency programme with world renowned graphic designer, David Carson. I personally led the research, narrative and sold out event where we also created an exhibition of his exclusive artwork. I also lead the social media for Zoku and Hooton throughout the event.
Zoku kicks off ‘Create Zoku’ initiative by welcoming artist David Carson to create 30 artworks in 30 days
- Carson’s residency marks the launch of Zoku’s latest commitment to cultural innovation in hospitality.
- ‘Create Zoku’ is an initiative from Zoku where creators, strategists and other experts can trade their skills in return for a complimentary stay.
- David Carson will create ‘30 art pieces in 30 days’ to expand Zoku’s art collection for guests to personalise their space, making the lofts feel like ‘home sweet home’
For immediate release. Amsterdam, Wednesday 25 July 2018.
Facilitating global living and working for global nomads, Zoku - Japanese for family, tribe or clan - expands the definition of a hotel. As a home-office hybrid, Zoku Amsterdam is a relaxed place to live, work and socialise with like-minded people, while familiarising yourself with the city.
By welcoming artist David Carson to live and work in Zoku Amsterdam for a month spanning over July and August, Zoku is fulfilling its mission to offer long-stay solutions for travelling professionals. The collaboration, enabled through its residency programme, Create Zoku, brings together two parties who are equally engaged in society, cities and have a bold appreciation for of culture.
“I’m really excited to return to Zoku Amsterdam as an artist in residence this month. I stayed at Zoku during a recent visit to the city and used the social spaces as a creative space when I was recently commissioned to do a magazine cover for Volkskrant’s Sunday supplement. As I’m relocating to Amsterdam this summer, Zoku seems like the perfect place for me to use as a base while I get to know the city,” said David Carson.
Carson is a renowned graphic designer, famous for his distinct style and refusal to follow the typical constraints of design programs. He’s earned over 230 awards, given a TED talk as well as written a best-selling book on graphic design, which has unsurprisingly led to him being described as as ‘the most famous graphic designer on the planet’.
Zoku and ADCN, the Club for Creativity, have jointly invited David Carson for a summer creative residency in Amsterdam. David will work on various art projects, to be presented and exhibited during various events in August at Zoku and Club ADCN.
The artwork for Zoku will expand its current art collection for residents to interchange and personalise their lofts with throughout their stay. David Carson will use the social spaces on the sixth
floor as a temporary studio, making him accessible to the public, and placing him at the heart of Zoku’s community.
“The objective of the Create Zoku program is to create a mutually beneficial partnership that enriches the community and supports creators from around the world who can trade their skills in return for a free stay. As we continue to grow a global network of Zokus we also hope to develop a network of artists, creatives and other experts to bring along on our journey.” adds Veerle Donders, Zoku’s Concept & Brand Manager.
Zoku will also hold an event to conclude the collaboration for Amsterdammers between 19:00 - 21:00 on Thursday 2nd August, at Zoku Amsterdam, Weesperstraat 105, 1018 VN. Carson will showcase the full collection of work produced throughout his residency, share advice for aspiring creatives and speak about his career to date.Tickets will be available through the Zoku Facebook page.
Zoku has been redefining the hotel experience since the opening of its first location in Amsterdam in 2016, when it created a new category for the hotel industry with its home-office hybrid. The award-winning concept was created with the travelling professional in mind. Zoku really comes into its own for long stays, providing its residents with the services of a hotel and the social buzz of a thriving neighbourhood.
Below are some of the works David Carson created throughout his stay at Zoku.