New York might be called the “city of dreams” or “the city that never sleeps,” but it’s also home to a dynamic robust design scene. So when the City of New York launched NYCxDESIGN in 2012, it was on a mission to celebrate creativity in all five boroughs.
“Design is a shared language across borders, industries, neighborhoods and generations,” explains Ilene Shaw, NYCxDESIGN’s executive director. “New York City is a global design capital, in that it is home to more architects and designers than any other city per capita worldwide. We celebrate that language, champion creative voices and make design more accessible to more people by increasing awareness and exposure.”
This week, NYCxDESIGN is kicking off its 13th annual NYCxDESIGN Festival, which runs from May 15 through May 21. Embracing the theme “Design is For Everyone,” the highly-anticipated event hosts a range of exhibitions, engaging panels and even an immersive, sensory-driven installation in the Design Pavillion.
“What makes it such a marquee event is its ability to bring together world-renowned designers, brands, institutions and everyday New Yorkers in a way that’s both inspiring and accessible,” Shaw explains. “More than just a week of design, it’s a citywide celebration of creativity that puts the global design community in conversation with New York’s unmatched cultural vibrancy.”
The annual NYCxDESIGN Festival is its most prolific and popular event, but Shaw says there’s more to the group’s mission. “A common misconception is that NYCxDESIGN is a private corporate enterprise,” she explains. “We actually never were.” Rather, NYCxDESIGN was kick-started by the City, and now as a non-profit, it’s governed by a board of directors, and guided by a steering committee of industry stalwarts: Professional design associations, cultural institutions, City business districts, design practitioners and government officials are examples of the committee membership.
Throughout the year, Shaw says the non-profit is committed to unifying, supporting and amplifying all members of the city’s design scene — and having all their hard work converge into a cohesive festival. Since New York City is a melting pot, Shaw says diversity is key. “The Festival provides a platform for local designers and artisans of all backgrounds to gain recognition and exposure,” she explains. “It’s absolutely crucial for sustaining a thriving design community ensuring inclusivity and attention.” The non-profit also uses its platform to shine a light on sustainable practices and materials, as well as explore the intersection of design and ever-evolving technology.
But while NYCxDESIGN shines a light on what’s new and next in the city, Shaw says that the creative members of the industry are the lifeblood of the non-profit. “NYCxDESIGN is foremost a community; a close international community,” she shares. “We invite anyone passionate about progressive thinking and innovation. There’s always more to discover.”
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