Leeds International Festival of Ideas 23
Rabbithole• Date added
21 November 2023
The Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI) is an annual event that brings together leading thinkers, writers, artists, and experts from various fields, including science, technology, politics, and culture. Since 2017, the festival has been occupying a unique place in the city's cultural calendar and has gained a reputation for showcasing some of the most exciting and thought-provoking ideas worldwide.
Leeds and Glasgow-based design studio Rabbithole created an identity for the 2023 edition that featured abstract 3D totems and playful typography, symbolising creative exchange and lively discourse.
Client
LeedsBID
Year
2023
Creative Director
Tim Dee
Brand Strategist
Mark Martin
Designer
Tim Dee
Typefaces in Use
Opposing views are often perceived as confrontational but also counterbalance the echo chambers and tribal thinking that hinder progress and fuel division. Since its inception, LIFI has embraced the opportunity to showcase contrasting viewpoints on its stage, fostering tolerance, unity, and enlightenment. This foundational ethos is visually represented in the festival's logo marque, which features an opposing reflection.
For LIFI23's creative direction, Rabbithole collaborated with Frankfurt-based 3D artist Joseph Töreki. Their creative journey began with a playful exploration of how abstract resin shapes could be linked together. Through a series of experiments, which included charm bracelets and Lego bricks, the concept of totems stood out as the most intriguing option. The totems, harmoniously balanced with a touch of precariousness, mirror the festival's bravery in addressing the complex and delicate subject matter.
“We really loved the idea that each totem created something far more impressive than its individual components in isolation. Each element played a pivotal role in the final structure. Recognition that the exchange of diverse viewpoints has the potential to surpass their individual contributions and collectively create something much greater.”
