Design Industry News: Art UK’s New Chair, Acquisitions, and Creative Trends

It’s a busy end to February and start to March. This week’s highlights include a design-led fight for democracy, and a look at repairable tech that impressed the Dragons, plus a new chair for Art UK.

Business News

Ben Terrett to Chair Art UK

Ben Terrett CBE has been appointed as the new chair of Art UK, marking a milestone as the charity celebrates 10 years and a million digitised artworks. Art UK began with a mission to digitally catalogue the UK’s paintings, expanding to include drawings, watercolours, ceramics, sculptures, stained glass, banners, architectural drawings and street murals.

Marjorie Murphy Returns to Equator

Marjorie Murphy has been appointed as senior client service director at Equator, returning after a stint as an independent consultant. She previously held roles as VP client service and global strategy director at the agency.

New Leads for FLUORO

Creative agency FLUORO has appointed Stephen Agnew as creative and R&D lead and Georgia Garnett as senior account manager. Agnew joins from Vice and Ladbible, while Garnett comes from Made Thought, bringing experience with Nike and Nothing Tech.

Canva Acquires Cavalry

Canva is continuing its expansion with the acquisition of 2D animation platform Cavalry, following their purchase of Affinity last year. This move aims to integrate procedural, logic-based animation into the Canva ecosystem.

Synoptic Office x VoteRiders

Synoptic Office redesigned the digital platform for VoteRiders, a non-profit dedicated to helping Americans navigate voter ID laws, focusing on clarity, high-contrast design, and action-oriented functionality.

Romo Invests in In-House Production

Romo is investing in Canon Colorado and Neolt tech to bring its production in-house, aiming to save around £85,000 a year and increase flexibility in custom wallpaper and fabric samples.

Ball Corporation Wins at Paris Packaging Week

Packaging giant Ball Corporation won accolades at Paris Packaging Week for a carbon-free aluminium aerosol can developed with Alcoa and Unilever, and for the MEADOW KAPSUL refill system.

The PHA Group Refresh

The PHA Group has undergone a brand refresh led by creative director Mike Chivers, designed to work across digital and social channels.

Events

Re:Markable Comes to Hull

The Re:Markable creative marketing event will accept place in Hull on April 23, featuring speakers like Ash Jones and Fran Méndez. Tickets are approximately £75.

Timișoara Architecture Biennial 2026

The Timișoara Architecture Biennial (Beta) will be held from May 15 to June 28, 2026, with the theme “In Practice, As Opposed to ‘In Theory’.”

Design Week Meets Derry/Londonderry

Design Week will host a meet-up in Derry/Londonderry on March 10.

Playrise Launch at Museum of the Home

Playrise will launch on March 24 at the Museum of the Home in London, showcasing modular playground systems for children in refugee camps and disaster zones.

SHEM: Don’t Forget To Teleport

SHEM will open a 10,000 sq ft exhibition called “DON’T FORGET TO TELEPORT” in Stratford on March 12, featuring painting, film, and architectural lighting.

Spotted

Kibu’s Repairable Tech on Dragons’ Den

Kibu, which makes repairable, buildable headphones for kids, received investment offers on Dragons’ Den. The company is a collaboration between Sam Beaney, Morrama, and Batch.Works.

Together by People Powered Press

The People Powered Press has launched “TOGETHER,” a showcase of murals made using the world’s largest letterpress printing press, with 100 per cent of sales going toward community work.

UEL After Dark

UEL After Dark recently took over the Docklands with fire, light, and aerial performance.

Creatives Skipping Meals

Research from nutrition brand Sneak suggests nine in 10 creatives skip meals when under pressure.

Seen

Holly Hunt: Onward Collection

Holly Hunt has launched a new collection called “Onward” under the creative leadership of Jo Annah Kornak and Chris Eitel.

Apple’s iPhone 17e

Apple has released the iPhone 17e, its new “affordable” model, priced at £599.

Alessandro Mendini at the Estorick Collection

The first solo UK exhibition for Alessandro Mendini will feature over 50 pieces celebrating his playful approach to furniture.