The conversation topics take their cue directly from the motivations behind the creation of MINI when it responded to the particular challenges of a post war society. Built in 1959, at a time of food, housing and employment shortages, it was invented as an answer to pressing social issues. It became a design icon that would break all the rules of car engineering at the time. MINI understand that design is more than form and function, and even more than the automobile. Today MINI is a translation of one key principle; the creative use of space, into real solutions for how we live, work and interact in our cities.

The Ritual of Invention sparks new creative conversations where the public will hear from pioneers of design, art, architecture and science. Influenced by the philosophy of MINI, the speakers were asked to respond to essential issues of the day, and the impact of invention within an age of intense economical, social, political and ecological challenges.

The Ritual of Invention promises to deliver an inspiring fusion of conversation and provocation as it asks how resourceful do we need to be, to tip the scales to a more humane and inclusive world.

The conversations are staged in a clearing in the grounds of Ballinlough Castle, inside a simple circular structure designed by BPA collective – David Kelly, Rachel Loughrey, Cian McKenna & Sinead Scullion and winner of the MINI/Body & Soul bursary.