A new symbol for Europe
The current European flag, with the twelve golden stars against a blue background, was designed in 1955. Since then society in Europe has changed dramatically. Nowadays various cultures live and work together in a relative small area. What is the impact of this new, dynamic society with its diversity in culture, language and traditions on Europe’s identity? How do Europeans experience Europe? And how can that identity take shape?
Graphic designers from across the globe have been challenged to consider these questions and to submit their ideas for a new symbol for Europe. More than 1400 designs from 63 countries were received. An international jury with a.o. the European Commission in The Hague and chairman graphic designer Gerd Dumbar selected twelve submissions. 12 symbols, printed on flags, will adorn the flagpoles at the Hofvijver in Den Haag under the title ‘Bright flags’ (or in Dutch ‘Vrolijke vlaggen’).
Find here the international jury and the 12 selected symbols.
Find here all 1400 international submissions.
New symbol flag events
Monday 31 May until Sunday 6 June: Hofvijver Den Haag
Friday June 11th until Sunday june 20th; Rijksuniversiteit Groningen
Tuesday June 22th: Europe lecture by Herman van Rompuy at the Nieuwe Kerk Den Haag
Willem de Kooning Rotterdam
30 students of Willem de Kooning Rotterdam University’s bachelor course Illustration took part in the competition. Their flags have been produced in cooperation with the Netherlands Flag Museum Foundation and two partners, Shipmate Vlag Productie and Faber Vlaggen. The flags will be hosted amongst the European flags at the Boompjesboulevard near the Leuvehavenbrug in Rotterdam on Friday May the 28th between 17.30 – 18.30. A design guide will help participants of the ED-Conference to find the way from the conference venue. Meet 17:15 in the large entrance hall at De Doelen to join.
Location: Flag museum at Boompjes, Boompjesboulevard near the Leuvehavenbrug
Tickets: Free of charge
Debate
This project will be accompanied by a debate, featuring representatives of the European Commission and designers discussing Europe’s visual identity, unity and diversity under the theme ‘United states of Europe?’ Design students and teachers are invited to join the debate.
Subscribe here for the debate.
Debate: United States of Europe?
Date: Thursday June 3th
Location: Idazaal, Prinsestraat 37, Den Haag
Time: 19.00 hours
Organisation VIDE and foundation Design Den Haag