From June 16 to 19, 2024, Oslo hosted an economic mission chaired by HRH Princess Astrid of Belgium. The event marked a significant milestone in economic and cultural relations between Belgium and Norway.
Mission objectives
- visibility: to provide a platform for increasing the visibility of Belgian brands and design.
- promote sustainable design: highlight the excellence and creativity of Belgian designers specialising in ethical design.
- deepening knowledge of the Norwegian market and its opportunities through B2B meetings: establishing contacts with the Norwegian design and interior architecture sector.
The Sustainable Elegance: Circularity in Craft & Design event, co-organized by Hub Brussels, MAD Brussels and Wallonie-Bruxelles Mode at DOGA – Design og arkitektur Norway, showcased the work of 12 Belgian designers and craftsmen: an exhibition, pitching sessions moderated by Christian Pagh, director and curator of the Oslo Architecture Triennale, and B2Bs enabled them to address a 2-day audience of industry professionals, journalists and potential business partners.
Visitors were able to discover a selection of pieces combining aesthetics and ecological responsibility. Each piece on show demonstrated Belgian designers’ commitment to sustainability and innovation.
A conference focusing on sustainable and circular practices in craft brought together experts and designers from both countries, offering them the opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives on the contribution of craft to a more sustainable future.
This event, organized by the Agency for Foreign Trade (ACE), regional foreign trade agencies (AWEX, hub.brussels, FIT) and the FPS Foreign Affairs, provided designers and craftsmen with valuable feedback and fruitful discussions.
