Brussels (Belgium) - 6th February 2008 • The bi-annual Award of the Flemish Community for Design in 2008 went to Nedda El-Asmar. Bert Anciaux, Flemish Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports and Brussels, attended the award ceremony. Achilles Associates and Patrick Hoet were the two other nominees in the 'Design' category.
In the presence of hundreds of guests, individuals and organizations from different disciplines were officially awarded for their outstanding contribution to cultural life in Flanders in 2008. There were 13 categories in total. Each prize included 12,500 Euros. The prize for General Cultural Merit, however, included 20,000 Euros. It was awarded to Sigiswald Kuijken for his musical career. All award winners also received a bronze statue by sculptor Johan Tahon.
The jury commented: "Nedda accompanies its prototypes faultlessly to the finished product. By doing this she safeguards the balance between creative freedom and industrial requirements. Her seemingly simple designs combine classic elegance with a contemporary touch".
www.nedda.eu
http://neddadesign.blogspot.com
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Nedda El-Asmar studied jewellery design and silversmithing at the Royal Academy for Fine Arts in Antwerp, and she completed her education at the Royal College of Art in London. She has worked for such renowned names as Hermès, Puiforcat, Royal Boch, Eternum, Villeroy & Boch, Gense, Obumex, Carl Mertens, and Robbe & Berking. Her designs have earned numerous awards and prizes. In 1997, she won the Henry van de Velde Award for young talent. Nedda was proclaimed Belgian Designer of 2007, and last year she was nominated for the second time for the 'Talents du Luxe’. Just a few days ago she received the prestigious Flemish Cultural Award for Design 2008. She has taught at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp since 2007.
