Connecting the Dots
Connecting the Dots publishes and presents Dutch designers and design culture on an international stage during key design events and fairs. Our activities are always content-driven, with a focus on revealing the latest developments in design culture. Connecting the Dots also organises trade shows, exhibitions, debates and networking events.
In 2010, Connecting the Dots started as a magazine commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation to promote Dutch designers during Milan Design Week.
The impact of the first magazine was dramatic, as it was the first serious attempt to map all Dutch presentations in Milan and to offer insight into Dutch design culture. The magazine’s success led to multiple editions during London Design Festival, Business of Design Week Hong Kong, Guangzhou Design Week, Dutch Design Week and Milan Design Week.
David Heldt – Publisher & Curator
After finishing his studies in Architectural Design (BA) at ArtEZ Institute of the Arts in Enschede, David moved back to his hometown of Amsterdam where he worked as a furniture designer for his own studio for 5 years. In 2000, David organised an exhibition of 65 Dutch designers in Japan, which included the first presentation of Droog Design in that country. His curiosity for more theoretical input led him to the Design Futures master’s programme at Goldsmiths University of London in 2004.
Back in Amsterdam in 2006, he co-founded Tuttobene, a platform for new and sustainable designers, and in 2010, he launched Connecting the Dots magazine. He was involved in various international exhibitions, publications and debates amongst others in Amsterdam, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, London, Milan, Nagoya, Tokyo, for the international promotion of design from the Netherlands. Among his various clients are the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Foreign Affairs, Mosa Tiles, Tata Steel and many individual designers.
Luc Deleau – PR & Press
Luc Deleau studied Art History at the University of Amsterdam and kick-started his career in marketing communications at Paradiso, the renowned Amsterdam venue, where he set up the communication department. In 2006, he founded his own Bureau Deleau, for PR and press support and marketing communication consultancy. His portfolio ranges from Paradiso, North Sea Jazz and the Kindred Spirits Ensemble to the Double Talk Festival. He is one of the initiators of Summer Dance Forever, which is now ranked as one of the world’s most important international urban dance festivals.
Luc has been working within the design industry from 2006, with Connecting the Dots from the very start until the present day. Amongst other projects for which Luc has offered PR and press support include Tuttobene, Kunstfort Asperen, the New Material Award and Het Wonder van Eindhoven.
Other Partners
Furthermore Connecting the Dots works together with a circle of free-lancers responsible for graphic design, journalism, photography, translation, exhibition design and many others.
