The FAIRE KIOSK showcases Kortrijk-based entrepreneurs making a difference
Kortrijk is showing its mettle this autumn. The glass KIOSK by Designregio Kortrijk on the Graanmarkt is being transformed into DE FAIRE KIOSK. For ‘Kortrijk Faire Gemeente’, designer Johanna Van Sichem De Combe, in collaboration with Giovanni Maes, has developed an eye-catching installation that highlights local, eco-friendly and fair trade options for consumers. With a playful visual language and a strong visual identity, the KIOSK puts the spotlight on entrepreneurs who demonstrate that sustainable choices go hand in hand with quality, style and entrepreneurship.
Kortrijk has been a Fair Trade town since 2006. As such, the town is committed to supporting fair trade – trade that respects people and the planet. As part of Fair Trade Week (7–17 October), the KIOSK is being transformed into a contemporary mini-shop full of objects, stories and local businesses. At its heart lies one simple idea: anyone who wants to shop consciously today has plenty of choices. Or, as the installation itself puts it: “No excuses. Plenty of choice.”
For this edition, Designregio Kortrijk paired graphic designer Johanna Van Sichem De Combe with ‘Kortrijk Faire Gemeente’. Johanna is known for her bold, graphic visual language, and this approach aligned perfectly with the ambition for the presentation: to present sustainable consumption not as an obligation, but as something inspiring, creative and contemporary. The project was realised in collaboration with Giovanni Maes from the creative studio Stugio.
Kortrijk is embracing LEF. The courage to do business differently, to consume consciously and to take responsibility for the world of tomorrow. DE FAIRE KIOSK highlights the fact that fair, local and eco-friendly choices are available throughout our city. By giving these entrepreneurs a platform, we show that sustainability isn’t about having less, but about making better choices. And in Kortrijk, you don’t need to make excuses for that: there’s plenty of choice.
The installation not only showcases products, but also the entrepreneurs who help build a fairer city every day. Inside and on the KIOSK, visitors discover a selection of Kortrijk-based businesses that focus on local, eco-friendly and fair-trade products. This makes the KIOSK a showcase for a city that chooses entrepreneurship with impact.
“An ideal shop is one with plenty of GUTS. An ideal city is too.” That motto runs like a common thread through the installation. Because sustainability doesn’t have to be boring, staid or complicated. The FAIRE KIOSK shows that conscious consumption can go hand in hand perfectly with design, taste and a healthy dose of character.
Every month, the KIOSK on the Graanmarkt showcases how creativity and entrepreneurship can reinforce one another. Thanks to Designregio Kortrijk, entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to present their stories in a surprising and accessible way right in the heart of the city. With DE FAIRE KIOSK, we are this time putting the spotlight on entrepreneurs who consciously choose local, eco-friendly and fair-trade products.
Anyone who thinks that shopping ethically and sustainably in Kortrijk is difficult need only pop along to DE FAIRE KIOSK. For a whole month, shops in Kortrijk are showcasing their fair-trade, local and eco-friendly products in their shop windows. From food and books to fashion: the range on offer is surprisingly wide.
Participating shops:
- Bio-planet
- Brooklyn
- Confiserie Vandenbulcke
- De Bokes
- Fairplace
- Het Huis van De Vreemde Eend
- Kringloopwinkel
- Maria’s Corner
- Oxfam Bookshop Kortrijk
- Wereldwinkel Kortrijk
- X&Triek
- Zonder Meer
At https://www.visitkortrijk.be/nl/lokaalecofair, you can discover all the places in Kortrijk where LEF is part of their story. These are businesses that think and act in a local, eco-friendly and fair manner.
Fair Trade Week in Kortrijk was organised by Kortrijk Faire Gemeente, the World Council and Howest, the University College of West Flanders.
Lise Van Tendeloo
Every year, Lise invites promising international designers to Kortrijk for exciting residency projects. She is responsible for the research and experimentation part of the organisation.
