Kioskiosk: Rent-Free Space For Aspiring London Designers

Despite the global economic crisis and the waves of panic that can come along with it, there will always be a cross-section of society that has the creative drive and independence to go into business for themselves. However, rising unemployment and financial uncertainty can sometimes quash the initiative and follow-through necessary to make that dream a reality.  But with the help of a creative and socially conscious small business community, innovative options can present themselves in unlikely ways.

Kioskiosk, a temporary, rent-free space available to start-up designers, comes from the minds of Wayne and Gerardine Hemingway, successful British designers who got their start in the early 80′s by renting a stall in London’s Camden and Kensington markets for a paltry 6 pounds (the same stalls run for 1,760 pounds a week today).

Given Britain’s growing design community- 60,000 students are taking design courses at present, a number that is growing at a rate of 3% per year- the need for low-cost physical space is essential to aspiring young designers who want to publicly hawk their wares.

The application process is rather simple- write a 200 word (maximum) proposal explaining why your business is right for Kioskiosk and vice-versa. Although all slots are filled at the moment, they are accepting proposals for future opportunities.

A video of Wayne Hemingway discussing his background and the birth of Kioskiosk is available here.

[via designboom]

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• Design Ideas And Trends
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