Press release

Rotterdam, 2 June 2010

Dutch designers win big at 2010 Design Awards

Gert Dumbar receives special prize at the European Design Awards ceremony

The European Design Festival, held in Rotterdam for the first time, concluded on
Sunday with the Design Awards ceremony. Where German graphic designers
had raked in the awards in previous years, 2010 was a true celebration of Dutch
design. Not only did Dutch designers win 10 golden awards, but Gert Dumbar,
founder of Studio Dumbar, also won the Hall of Fame award, which goes to
designers who are highly influential in the design world.

Fourteen jury members from various European countries judged the entries, looking at
quality of design, creativity and relevance. Gold and silver awards were presented in
each category. A gold award is only handed out when the jury judges a piece of work to
be exceptionally excellent.

“It was good that Rotterdam could show its creativity to all these different European
countries during the European Design Festival,” said Ton Wesselink, director of
Rotterdam Marketing. “The many side events were also very important to the success of
the festival. Dutch design meets very high standards, a fact that was emphasized by the
number of Dutch awards.”

Demetrios Fakinos, Managing Director of the European Design Festival: “Looking back, it
was a successful festival. It was the first time that there were so many interesting side
events, which allowed the people of Rotterdam enjoy this festival as well. Moreover,
many Dutch designers won prizes too, which says a lot about the design climate in the
Netherlands.”

Not for publication:

If you require further information, please contact Else de Kwaasteniet, press officer at Rotterdam
Marketing. T: +31 (0) 10 205 15 00, E: press@rotterdam-marketing.nl W: www.rotterdam.info

*See the attachment for a picture of the European Design Festival