Teodora Dinu, DILPOMA: “attending DIPLOMA Show can be a transformative experience”

In its 10th edition, the DIPLOMA Show stands as a testament to the commitment of The Institute in fostering emerging talent within Romania’s artistic and creative realms. As the current project manager of this landmark event, Teodora Dinu guides us through the festival’s journey, offering insights into its significance and impact on the creative community and the general public.

The festival celebrating the new generation of Romanian artists, architects, and designers, known as DIPLOMA Show, is back for its 10th edition. This event, organized by The Institute and presented by UniCredit Bank, offers a diverse cultural and urban experience, featuring exhibitions, social gatherings, masterclasses, a design fair, and a pop-up cinema.

This year, DIPLOMA Show celebrates its 10th edition. Being the current project manager of the event, how would you describe it?

The 10th edition of DIPLOMA Show represents a significant milestone in our journey. Over the years, we have organized various cultural projects at The Institute, and this edition of DIPLOMA Show is a testament to our continuous commitment to fostering emerging talent in Romania’s artistic and creative fields. It’s a celebration of the young generation of artists, designers, and architects as they take their first steps into the world of professional artistry. Our festival format goes beyond a traditional exhibition, offering a diverse experience that includes parties, a fair featuring young designers and artists, and masterclasses open to both recent graduates and the general public. It’s an event that aims to inspire optimism and encourage original expression, ultimately contributing to a brighter future.

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How was the selection process for the works in this anniversary edition? What criteria did the experts use to choose the exhibited works?

For the anniversary edition, our goal was to present a highly representative selection of projects. To address this challenge, we expanded the composition of the creative board to include university professors, in addition to gallerists, artists, cultural managers, and curators. We believed it was crucial to incorporate the perspective of the academic environment that shaped these emerging talents and to consider the initial impressions of stakeholders in their future careers.

The selection process for the current exhibition was undoubtedly demanding due to the unprecedented number of submissions. The board felt a significant responsibility in choosing the best projects to showcase within the constraints of our limited exhibition space, considering various criteria such as creativity, innovation, technical skill, and relevance to contemporary artistic discourse. It was essential for us to curate a collection that not only showcases the talent of emerging artists but also reflects the current trends and themes in the Romanian creative scene.

According to the press release, the festival received a record number of entries for this edition. What were the most popular categories, and where did most of the submissions come from?

We were thrilled to receive a record number of entries for this edition, indicating the growing interest and engagement within the creative community. While it’s challenging to pinpoint the most popular categories due to the diverse nature of submissions, we did observe a significant presence of works in fashion, architecture, painting, and graphic arts. Unsurprisingly, the majority of submissions came from the largest university cities in Romania, including Bucharest, Cluj, Timișoara, and Iași. However, we were delighted to receive submissions from smaller cities like Galați and Târgu Mureș, as well as from international universities, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm for DIPLOMA Show.

How does the DIPLOMA Show festival contribute to the promotion and support of emerging talent in the artistic and creative fields in Romania?

DIPLOMA Show plays a pivotal role in promoting and supporting emerging talent in Romania’s artistic and creative fields. It serves as a platform where recent graduates can showcase their work to a broader audience, including senior architects, designers, gallery owners, and individuals interested in the creative world. Beyond exhibition, the festival experience includes networking opportunities, masterclasses, and interactions with professionals, fostering an environment conducive to growth and inspiration.

What is the impact on the creative community and the general public following their participation in this festival?

The impact of DIPLOMA Show on both the creative community and the general public is profound. For emerging artists and designers, it provides a launchpad for their careers, offering visibility and connections that are invaluable at the beginning of their journey. The festival cultivates a sense of optimism and originality, encouraging these artists to explore new horizons.

As for the general public, attending DIPLOMA Show can be a transformative experience. It may lead to a change in perception, sparking an interest in art and design or even inspiring creative endeavors. It’s not just about immediate outcomes but also the long-term impact of exposure to the arts.

Can you share some insights into the trends and themes that have emerged from the works of the emerging Romanian artists, architects, and designers featured in the festival?

We always appreciate the enthusiasm and the optimism that many projects exude, maybe it is the zest of being young and just starting, but it is refreshing to sense this type of energy from them. Also, the creative board in charge of selecting the projects appreciated the interdisciplinarity and the eagerness to explore different means to communicate their ideas and vision. Another common feature among projects is related to the historical events in recent years that shaped their views on life and art, and as a result, their projects will relate and connect with a large part of the public.

What role does DIPLOMA Show play in fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of creativity within the Romanian creative community?

DIPLOMA Show plays a vital role in fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of creativity within the Romanian creative community. By providing a platform for experimentation and exploration, the festival encourages artists and designers to take risks, challenge conventions, and embrace new ideas. This spirit of innovation is essential for the growth and evolution of the creative industries in Romania.

Are there any particular challenges or opportunities that emerging artists and designers in Romania face, and how does DIPLOMA Show address them?

Emerging artists and designers in Romania face both challenges and opportunities. While there’s a growing appreciation for creativity, it’s important to recognize that the transition from academia to a professional career can be daunting. DIPLOMA Show addresses these challenges by offering support, exposure, and networking opportunities to help bridge the gap between education and practice.

How has the festival contributed to raising awareness of Romanian creativity internationally, and have you seen any global recognition for the talents showcased here?

DIPLOMA Show has contributed significantly to raising international awareness of Romanian creativity. While not all showcased talents may be widely recognized, there are already relevant Romanian creators in various fields who have made an impact on the global stage. The festival serves as a platform for international exposure and collaboration, further enhancing the reputation of Romanian creativity.

Can you highlight any success stories of past DIPLOMA Show participants who have gone on to make a significant impact in the creative industries, both locally and internationally?

In a way, we have the privilege to witness maybe the first steps that young artists, designers, and architects are taking towards their future careers. It is exciting and rewarding to see their enthusiasm and also the public’s first reaction to this encounter.

Being there from the beginning it’s easy to take credit for their later success, but we believe a lot of talented creatives came to make a name for themselves and be part of the larger conversation in the creative industries. We would not like to name names as it would be hard to put together a complete list, but plenty of DIPLOMA alumni are established professionals in the fashion, visual arts, and design industries. Their journeys serve as inspiration for current and future participants, demonstrating the potential for growth and recognition that DIPLOMA Show offers.

As the project manager of the event, how do you envision the future of Romanian creativity and the role that DIPLOMA Show will play in shaping it?

I envision a future for Romanian creativity that is vibrant, innovative, and globally recognized. DIPLOMA Show will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping this future by providing a platform for emerging talent to flourish and contributing to the evolution of the creative industries in Romania. We aim to foster a culture of creativity and experimentation that not only impacts the local scene but also resonates on the international stage, ultimately enhancing Romania’s reputation as a hub of artistic and design excellence.

Taking place from October 7 to 15 at the Combinatul Fondului Plastic in Bucharest, the festival showcases 130 works across 16 creative categories, from fashion to architecture. It’s a unique opportunity for the public to explore the talents of 131 Romanian artists and designers. Admission is free with pre-registration, and the festival’s central exhibition is open on weekdays from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on weekends from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.