DesignPhiladelphia 2012

DesignPhiladelphia demonstrates, supports, and promotes the ability that design has to generate innovation, solve problems, enhance daily life and influence both the perception and economics of the region. Through the breadth of our events, DesignPhiladelphia showcases the role that design has played historically in this region, and celebrates Philadelphia’s contemporary significance as a center for creative advancement. In partnership with The University of the Arts, DesignPhiladelphia brings together individuals and organizations from across the design spectrum, building valuable community relationships. Year-round programming has included a lecture series on innovation, temporary pop-up shops, competitions, panel discussions for the creative and curious community, special events, and more. For the past seven years, DesignPhiladelphia has produced a nationally recognized, open participation Festival. Like all DesignPhiladelphia programming, the Festival offers a view into Philadelphia’s creative industries at work. During the Festival, over 100 events take place city-wide with more than 400 participating designers. A vast majority of Festival events are free and open to the public. Programming is a dynamic mix of open studios, exhibitions, lectures, runway shows, tours, workshops, and the like, that take place in boutiques, galleries, museums, universities, warehouses, and city streets. The DesignPhiladelphia initiative unites the creative disciplines – from architecture to interior design, fashion to product design, multi-media to graphic design – reinforcing the message that Philadelphia is a rich resource for creativity, innovation and cultural vibrancy. In 2013, DesignPhiladelphia will continue to expand programming, in addition to collaborating with partner organizations on design-centric events. Past partners have included the Arts & Business Council of Greater Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, and the Corzo Center for the Creative Economy at the University of the Arts. http://www.designphiladelphia.org