After many years of fantastic events at The Tangent Gallery, the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™ in Detroit moves to a new location for 2017. While we will miss the fantastic support we received and the perfect industrial vibe the Tangent provided, the continued growth of the event led to a need for additional parking which in turn has led us to another Detroit gem, The Garden Theater. So, on behalf of Brook, myself, Project Beautiful Inside and Out, BASF, and the rest of the team, you are are hereby invited to the most happening design blow out of the year. As “The Fight Club of Design” continues to grow and evolve into arguably the most fun event at the auto show, it will become more and more important to get your tickets early (in case we sell out) so please read on for info and tickets!
GET YOUR TICKETS HERE
2015 Event Video thanks to the Detroit News
For the 2017 auto show edition of the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™,
we are proud to bring together the Detroit Art and Business Community
with engineers, designers and gearheads to celebrate Automotive Design,
all the while benefiting Project Beautiful – Inside and Out.
Project Beautiful – Inside and Out is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was created “to build confidence and inspire hope as individuals and families …in our community…. rebuild their lives”. This is especially important for women in shelters and similar situations. The charity provides some “niceties” in addition to the “necessities” (a roof over their heads, meals, clothing, etc.) which will help build confidence and inspire hope in these individuals when they need it most.
BASF
We are very pleased that BASF is returning to be the presenting title sponsor of the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™. Color is what turns vehicles into emotional products, and in this arena BASF has immense expertise and makes the perfect partner for the event. BASF will also be choosing the theme for the final round of the competition.
In the event both students and professionals alike will compete head to head by sketching in front of the audience in the 3-round competition. The contestants’ sketches will be judged on how successful they meet the theme of each round within the time frame provided. The winner will get a check for $2,500 compliments of BASF and the awesome Title Belt created by the folks from Mobsteel because this is the Fight Club of Design!
KURZ Transfer Products
In the area of first-time partners we are excited to have three. First up is Kurz Transfer Products, a worldwide leader in hot stamping and coating technology. KURZ develops and manufactures decorative and functional coatings that are applied to carrier foils and employed for a wide variety of products including a cost-effective, environmentally friendly process for the decorations used in the automotive industry. Kurz will be deciding the theme for the first round of the competition – we can’t wait to see what it is.
Lacks Trim Systems
Longtime partner and supporter of design, Lacks Trims Systems returns for the third year. Lacks trim Systems supplies advanced finishes for automotive grilles and trim. Unequaled experience combined with technical knowledge and leading-edge tools enable Lacks to provide unique solutions in vehicle differentiation. From grilles to body side moldings, deck lid appliques to truck bed rails, Lacks’ products are marked by superior craftsmanship that is underscored by uncommon durability and dependability.
Linkage Design
Another returning partner, Linkage Design, is one of the leading providers of design resources, design solutions & training, with an emphasis on providing these design services by utilizing advanced digital design tools like; AutoDesk Alias Surface & Automotive, ICEM Surf, Photoshop, Maya and others. With offices in Detroit, Greensboro, NC and the UK, Linkage is well suited to support the global auto industry.
ABC Group
Joining us for a second year is ABC Group, a world-leader in appearance related plastic products like the interior systems shown above. Supporting global automakers from their locations in North and South America, Europe and Asia, ABC Group is pleased to support Detroit, the design community and the Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment.
Covestro
Our second new partner is Covestro, a world-leading manufacturer of high-tech polymer materials for key industries such as automotive. Covestro’s vision “To make the world a brighter place,” and to push the boundaries of what is possible makes them an ideal partner for the Sketchbattle.
Cyberoptix TieLab
The final company on the list of new partners is the Cyberoptix TieLab. Home of the original TIES THAT DON’T SUCK! The Cyberoptix TieLab was started in 2006 after noticing a void in creative, yet sophisticated neckwear. A Detroit original, they have proudly printed nearly a million neckties, all by hand, with no automation, machines, press or even clamps!
Mobsteel
Last but not least, we even have some special guests on hand. Mobsteel is a design / build car company that manufactures aftermarket products and builds custom cars, while celebrating the history of the automobile and the Motor City Detroit, Michigan. They start with Detroit’s finest vintage cars and turn them into modern day menacing street machines. The cars they build are a part of American History; vintage Detroit steel, not some fiberglass repro. Steel with a soul and a story. The blood, sweat and tears of our family and friends are in these motors, frames and bodies. “At Mobsteel, we take it to the next level”
The Middlecott Sketchbattle Experiment™ is presented by
AACS and Middlecott Design.
AACS (Advanced Automotive Consulting Services, LLC) is a business development consultancy working in all aspects of the automotive industry. AACS specializes in helping automotive suppliers with their difficult objectives like introducing new technologies, expanding business onto new continents or breaking down walls to bring in new customers. We are experts in customer engagement!
MIDDLECOTT Design is an international design organization based in Detroit, Michigan. As Detroit’s premier design consultancy, MIDDLECOTT will supercharge your brand through its award-winning formula of high-octane design.
Anyone interested in attending the event should register here as attendance is strictly limited.
Frank Schwartz