16th June 2009

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Economic downturns can be a great time to start a creative business – that’s the message from one of Britain’s foremost designers, Wayne Hemingway, who will be speaking at the University of Ulster today.

The co-founder of world famous fashion label Red or Dead will be delivering an illustrated talk at Ulster’s Belfast campus as part of the Ulster Festival of Art and Design. 

“We started our business in the severe recession at the beginning of the 80s….economic downturns can be a great time to start a creative business,” said Hemingway – who’s fashion label went on to win the Fashion Council’s ‘Street Style Designer of the Year’ award three times in the late 90s.

Having sold Red or Dead in 1999, he went on to set up Hemingway Design, specialising in affordable and social design.  

As well as being involved in urban design, Wayne’s portfolio spans an intriguing range, including Shakup Sheds, rubber flooring and Water Butts. Current projects include work with Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development (TRAID), Tate Liverpool and the Chelsea Flower Show.

In his talk Wayne will touch on subjects as diverse as housing, football, entrepreneurship, marketing and all things about design and creativity. 

This event will take place at 7pm on Tuesday 16 June, University of Ulster, Belfast campus. For further information contact the box office on: 028 90267285.

The Ulster Festival of Art and Design, supported by Carson McDowell, runs from 8 – 20 June. It is the only festival of its kind in Ireland and will see a host of international talent coming to the city.  

For further information visit: www.ulsterfestival.com

For further information, please contact:

Press Office, Department of Communication and Development
Tel: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk