Butterfly Works

Monday, June 21, 2010

On the 21st of June Dick Brunas miffy is celebrating her 55th birthday and for this occasion she is giving a present to children in developing countries.

Butterfly Works and Mercis bv. are launching a new project, called 'play and learn with miffy'. 'Play and learn with miffy' will develop a local picture language in several developing countries for 'Early Child Development'. This new picture language is based on the brilliant design legacy of Dick Bruna. In the following the Dutch press release (the English version will follow).


IT’S MIFFY’S BIRTHDAY AND SHE IS PRESENTING THE WORLD WITH A GIFT

Amsterdam – This year miffy celebrates her 55th birthday by presenting a gift to young children in developing countries. The children of Caracas in Venezuela will be the first recipients. With the project, called ‘play and learn with miffy’ Butterfly Works combines the unique qualities of the illustration legend Dick Bruna with the talent of local designers and educational experts. Through this project miffy will contribute to the development of young children in developing countries. ‘play and learn with miffy’ is initiated by Butterfly Works and Mercis bv.


Dick Bruna and Early Child Development (ECD)
Dutch illustrator and creator of miffy, Dick Bruna, is known worldwide for his unique designs and recognizable stories. Every aspect of the miffy books is designed in a way to stimulate the development of young children. Research shows that children that are enrolled in well constructed ECD programmes evolve stronger social, verbal and emotional skills. It is this kind of attention that is often unavailable in developing countries. Thus ‘play and learn with miffy’ is an investment in the future of a country.


Travelling design studios
All over the globe ‘play and learn with miffy’ will build up temporary design studios using the help of local talented illustrators and writers. Inspired by the heritage of Dick Bruna these local talents explore the creative input of the children around them. Children's drawings and ideas are the inspiration for the design of a local main character and story line. This new main character and his or her co created world is then used as the basis for developing a book, instructional posters and a product line.


Mercis bv
Since 1971 Mercis bv owns the copyrights of Dick Bruna and is closely involved with the development of all products. Mercis bv also initiates numerous activities in order to enlarge worldwide awareness for the work of Dick Bruna.


Butterfly Works
Butterfly Works is a social design studio that uses design for international social change. Butterfly Works also created Return to Sender together with Katja Schuurman and recently presented the co designed sneaker brand !SYOU.

‘play and learn with miffy’ is co-financed by the Bernard van Leer Foundation


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via @miffyspresent

Download the press release in Dutch PDF