23 : 10 : 20 : Weekly Debrief

1. Via Maris is a modernist Judaica brand

US – Via Maris aims to modernise Jewish cultural objects, re-engage Jewish people with their faith and introduce Judaism to a wider audience.

Departing from the baroque aesthetic of traditional Judaica, the brand has created a collection of contemporary tools for observing traditions. From block chanukiahs to Shabbat candles, each item is manufactured using modern techniques and materials, such as recyclable aluminium.

As way to encourage connections with modern-day Judaism – even for those who do not identify as Jewish – Via Maris intends to distinguish itself from the vast majority of Judaica brands available. ‘We wanted it to feel really fresh and contemporary in terms of how people could choose to interact with these objects,’ says Dana Hollar Schwartz, founder of Via Maris.

Re-imagining religion through up-to-date design can help to establish inclusivity for those who are spiritually inclined. For more on this explore our series on Intersectionality.

3. A community cryptotoken that rewards music fans

US – Portuguese artist André Anjos is rewarding his fans through a community token built on alternative ownership platform Zora.

Built on Ethereum, $RAC is a form of cryptocurrency that can be earned by Anjos’ most loyal fans. Centred on the artist’s community, tokens will be rewarded according to levels of loyalty – allowing access to various perks and exclusive content. Launching with retroactive distribution, the coin will be awarded to 1,545 Bandcamp supporters dating back to 2009, as well as fans who have previously purchased merchandise.

Going forward, the $RAC coin will be awarded to EGO token holders and Twitch supporters. ‘Artists have historically been deprived of capturing their value by a sea of intermediaries like corporations and platforms that have a monopoly on creative ownership,’ explains André Anjos in a blog post on Zora.

Brands, platforms and products are increasingly exploring new models of Deep Ownership, allowing people to participate in value creation and have an active role as partial owners.

5. Social distancing tableware elevates inter-Covid dining

Croatia – Design studio Boir is releasing a conceptual tableware collection for socially distant dining.

Featuring a series of steel and stone objects that enable food to be shared at a safe distance, the New Normal collection aims to prompt intimacy even amid current restrictions. The collection comprises five items, including a bread basket divided by a barrier, and long spoons that enable couples to feed each other from a distance. Stone and sheets of steel provide a design-led approach to the plexiglass barriers that are increasingly featured in dining locations.

‘Despite coronavirus safety rules, our conceptual tableware retains that important social and cultural dimension of dining – sharing,’ explained Ivan Zidar, founder of Boir. ‘Boir’s tableware bridges the gap between intimacy and distance, enabling safe food sharing and simultaneously connecting and separating the served dishes.'

While consumers are rightfully concerned about their health and safety when it comes to sharing food, brands and businesses are innovating to provide intelligent social distancing solutions. For more, explore our Pandemic Dining Market.

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