David Adjaye And Thelma Golden Talk, And More Kicks Off Today At NYCxDESIGN 2018

New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) today kicked off the start of NYCxDESIGN 2018, New York City’s annual celebration of design. The launch of the sixth edition of the program, held at Design Pavilion in Times Square, previewed hundreds of events happening around the city from May 11 to 23, 2018. Hosted at venues throughout the five boroughs, the celebration of design unites culture, education, and entertainment with a wide array of programming, including exhibitions, installations, trade shows, talks, open studios, and more.

“Now in its sixth year, NYCxDESIGN is bigger and better than ever. The citywide celebration of design unites all types of designers and premier institutions to showcase the industry’s thriving presence and economic importance here in New York,” said Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen.

“NYCxDESIGN is a celebration of New York City’s design community, and we’re proud to galvanize and support its growth,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “The city’s design industry is creating good-paying jobs for a wide range of New Yorkers throughout the creative ecosystem, and the next two weeks of programming are sure to deliver a strong stimulus for the city’s economy.”

NYCxDESIGN programming is informed by a steering committee comprised of many leaders in New York City’s design community, representing a broad swath of design-related programs, events, organizations, and both academic and cultural institutions. The events showcase design across a wide range of disciplines including architecture, design education and thinking, digital and technology, craft, engineering, fashion, film, furniture, graphic design, manufacturing, interior design, landscape design, product design, theatre, urban design, and many more.

“NYCxDESIGN provided a purpose and platform from which we launched Design Pavilion, a long-time passion and concept that finally was able to come to fruition with the support of the local and worldwide network and outreach of NYCxDESIGN and our joined efforts. The design world at large suddenly grew closer, more intimate and collaborative through NYCxDESIGN. For Design Pavilion, NYCxDESIGN and the efforts of NYCEDC mean leadership, direction, connection, framework, structure, unity, collaboration, strength in numbers, visibility on a world stage, communication, broad reach, driving force, economic development and building a stronger industry together,” said Founding Producer of Design Pavilion, Ilene Shaw.

“We launched the NYCxDESIGN Awards to celebrate our beloved city and showcase New York City’s best and brightest—that are literally bursting from every borough” proclaims Interior Design Editor in Chief, Cindy Allen. “Product and project entries came from over 24 different countries and all five boroughs… with over 350 manufacturers and 168 firms submitting: a perfect combination of global design meeting our own home town. All winners and honorees will be announced on May 21, so ready, set, go, and let the design month begin!”

“The meteoric rise of NYCxDESIGN to global prominence has been instrumental in bringing many thousands of additional architects, designers, developers, and high wealth design lovers into New York City and consequently to ICFF, said ICFF Event Director, Kevin O’Keefe. We have been enthusiastic supporters of the NYCxDESIGN initiative which works so well in continuing to position New York as the design capital of the world.”

“Since the establishment of NYCxDESIGN our local design organizations have really been able to come together as a true design community. Our collaboration and support of each other’s efforts have allowed all of our activities to thrive more than ever. For SoHo Design District, as a small non-profit organization, it is challenging to gain the traction we aim for but thanks to NYCxDESIGN’s team, the steering committee and their promotions of our efforts, we have made huge strides over the past few years. We are grateful to have this network of support and look forward to many more successful events together in the future,” said Dahlia Latif of SoHo Design District.

“In just six years, NYCxDESIGN has become one of the premiere design weeks in the world, thanks to the leadership and creativity of NYCEDC and the larger NYC design community,” said Odile Hainaut and Claire Pijoulat, Co-Founders of WantedDesign. “The citywide celebration allows us to continually grow WantedDesign while better responding to the needs of the industry, and we are proud to be a part of the steering committee that makes it all come together.”

“The future of New York City’s creative economy is in the hands of tomorrow’s talent—and they are studying at institutions like FIT,” said Dr. Joyce F. Brown, President, FIT. “NYCxDESIGN provides FIT and the Museum at FIT with a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with the greater art and design community while also showcasing the work of our talented, unconventional students—tomorrow’s creative leaders.”

“As the only true Brooklyn-made interior design show, BROOKLYN DESIGNS is certainly a celebration of designers, but it’s also a vehicle to showcase the prominent makers in the borough. The design industry makes up 25 percent of manufacturing jobs in Brooklyn and is a true driver of the New York economy. New York City Economic Development Corporation understands the importance of this community and has encouraged their growth by giving birth to NYCxDESIGN, New York’s leading showcase of design. To be part of this grand celebration that spans all of New York City with its unique events, and opportunities for economic progress, strengthens the purpose and reach of BROOKLYN DESIGNS. For that…we are quite grateful,” said Brooklyn Chamber President and CEO Andrew Hoan.

For 2018, NYCxDESIGN is pleased to have Swiss watchmaker, Rado, return for the third year as the Official Watch Sponsor of NYCxDESIGN. As part of its participation, Rado will host the third stateside edition of the Rado Star Prize at WantedDesign Manhattan. The Rado Star Prize, a worldwide design competition, looks to support emerging designers and give them a platform to present their work. This year’s theme will focus on the concept of “Design Inspired by Nature”—a theme that hopes to explore the influence nature can have on design.

Below are programming highlights from this year’s NYCxDESIGN. For more information on these events and more, visit nycxdesign.com:

(NEW) Maker’s Row+New York City Web Series – Maker’s Row has teamed up with Google, NYCEDC, and the CFDA to create the Maker’s Row+New York City Web Series, a seven-part webisode series hosted by Maker’s Row CEO Matthew Burnett featuring seven (7) NYC designers who tell the unique story of their brand, creative process, and what it takes to make their products in New York City. May 14, 4–6:30 pm, Google, Chelsea Market 2^nd Floor.

(NEW) American Design Club BUILT – The American Design Club is a platform for creative brands to show, share, and sell their work. The 2018 theme for the American Design Club’s 14th design show is, BUILT. May 11–23, 11am–7 pm (Sundays 12–6 pm), Canal Street Market.

(NEW) Prelude to the Shed – Prelude to The Shed is a free, two-week arts event that will temporarily transform an undeveloped lot into a dynamic public space for new work and dialogue. Programming will take place days and evenings in a flexible space designed by Kunle Adeyemi. May 1–May 13, 11:30 am–9 pm, 31st Street and Tenth Avenue.

(NEW) DRINKSxDESIGN – Let your palate take over at a select group of restaurants, curated by NYC & Company, for an NYCxDESIGN-inspired cocktail available for purchase during your design-filled schedules. Participating restaurants include Bâtard, Beauty & Essex, Nobu Downtown, Robert at the Museum of Arts and Design, Temple Court, The Dining Room at the Metropolitan Museum, The Sea Grill, Tribeca Grill, and Untitled. May 11–23, various locations.

(NEW) BKLYN Fashion Academy presents: Mode en Couleur Runway Show – The BKLYN Fashion Academy is a 12-week intensive program that will provide 15 aspiring fashion designers with everything they need to create a mini collection for free, culminating in a fashion show, entitled “Mode en Couleur” (Fashion in Color). May 11, 7–10 pm, Grand Lobby of Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Library.

(NEW) UNKNOWN TERRITORIES by DESIGN PIER – DESIGN PIER proposes an exploration of places, stories, and cultures hiding behind every design object. Uncovering the historical, cultural and social context of the exhibits makes us see them beyond their aesthetics. Design Pier presents unique design pieces of leading edge designers from Asia, Middle East, and South and North America. May 19–23, Usagi Gallery, 163 Plymouth Street.

(NEW) kinder MODERN – kinder MODERN is a contemporary and vintage design gallery and studio. Applauded for its foundation in inspired and historical child design, kinder MODERN will feature two exhibits during NYCxDESIGN:

• The gallery will show a retrospective of Lucas Maassen & Sons, made up of Thijme, Julian and Maris, a design/life collaborative engaging conversations through design education, manufacturing, inspiration into form and more. Come see the work, the process of three young boys into the brutal world of furniture design and making. May 11, 6–8 pm, 1133 Broadway, Suite 1610.
• kinder MODERN will also feature a series of playful kinetic objects by American Wire-Sculptor Rodger Stevens on display in the gallery’s Project Space. May 11, 6–8pm, 1133 Broadway, Suite 1610.

• TimesTalks Art + Design Festival: David Adjaye and Thelma Golden: Sir David Adjaye OBE, one of the leading architects of his generation, in conversation with Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum of Harlem. Adjaye won renown for his design for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which opened in Washington D.C. in 2016. May 18, 1–2 pm, TimesCenter 242 West 41st Street.
• TimesTalks Art + Design Festival: David Rockwell and Isabel Toledo: The prolific architect David Rockwell and the Cuban-American fashion designer Isabel Toledo share a seemingly boundless versatility. His Rockwell Group has created designs for hotels, restaurants, performance spaces, work environments, and Broadway productions. She earned worldwide acclaim for designing Michelle Obama’s Inauguration dress. Hear them discuss their passion for design at this New York Times event moderated by New York Times fashion director Vanessa Friedman. May 18, 4–5 pm, TimesCenter 242 West 41st Street.
• TimesTalks Art + Design Festival Presents Christo: A special presentation from the legendary artist celebrated worldwide for environmental works that are monumental yet ephemeral. Christo’s site-specific projects have included The Gates in Central Park, Wrapped Reichstag, the Umbrellas, Valley Curtain, and his most recent success, the Floating Piers on Italy’s Lake Iseo. He is currently devising plans for the Mastaba, a permanent project for Abu Dhabi that will be the largest sculpture in the world, made from 410,000 multi-colored oil barrels. May 18, 7–8 pm, TimesCenter 242 West 41st Street.

• WantedDesign Manhattan: This year’s WantedDesign Manhattan includes new programs such as Look Book, a program dedicated to North Americans independent design studios, the unveiling of the Rado Star Prize US for the third year in a row, a series of talks presented with Design Milk + Modenus, the awaited 4th American Design Honors awarding Brooklyn based designer Oliver Haslegrave and his new collection called Homework. Also included in this year’s programming is a pop-up restaurant featuring chefs from the Helsinki-based restaurant Nolla focused on a zero food waste philosophy and sustainable design, named Zero Waste Bistro. May 19–22, 10 am–7 pm, Terminal Stores, 269 Eleventh Avenue.

• WantedDesign Brooklyn: At Industry City, WantedDesign Brooklyn is becoming IC Design Festival by WantedDesign, activating the whole campus and engaging its community. WantedDesign Brooklyn includes Oui Design 3rd edition, a program in partnership with the Cultural Services of the French Embassy, installation supported by the Swiss Consulate and a larger presence of design schools through exhibitions and the Design School workshop. Internationally renowned, large-scale pattern artist Camille Walala will launch her permanent, monolithic mural wrapping the façade of a prominent Industry City building. The Wanted Career Day will be organized with AIGA/NY Chapter and Coroflot. May 17–21, 11 am–6 pm, Industry City, 274 36th Street.

• The Handmade in Germany World Tour presents 180 German galleries of beautiful art objects.
• Collective Concept @ ICFF – With Collective Design fair’s move to March in 2018, it is launching Collective Concept @ ICFF to provide a platform for independent designers during NYCxDESIGN. A curated selection of designers have been invited to share what they consider “inspirational” or “alternative” thinking with the audience and longtime friends and colleagues at ICFF.
• Metropolis CEU Credited Conference, where attendees can earn credits for professional licenses and certificates.

• Tribeca Design District – Taking place on May 17, the event will host showrooms that include Colony, David Weeks Studio, and Stillfried Wien. May 17, 7–10 pm, various locations.
• NoMad Design District – On May 18, this white hot design district opens its collective doors to the public. Myriad showrooms will be hosting cocktail parties, activations, and individual events throughout the district. May 18, 6–9 pm, various locations.
• SoHo Design District – On May 19, the SoHo Design District will host several NYCxDESIGN event hosts and attendees in their participating showrooms. May 19, 6–9 pm, various locations.
• East Midtown Partnership – The Partnership includes the A&D and D&D Buildings, and additional home decor and decorative arts retail locations and showrooms on East 58th, East 59th, and East 60th Streets.

• Parsons Festival May 1–18, 12–8 pm, The New School/Parsons School of Design, Multiple buildings across campus.
• Pratt Shows: Design May 11–26, 9 am–9 pm, ARC Building, Pratt Institute, 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn.
• Radical times: The Graduating Students of the MFA in Products of Design at SVA May 17–21, 1–8:30 pm, WantedDesign Brooklyn.
• FIT Art and Design Graduating Student Exhibition at the Museum of FIT May 9–24, 12–8 pm, FIT, Seventh Avenue at 27th Street.
• Cooper Union End of Year Show May 22–June 10, 5–9 pm, The Cooper Union, 7 East 7th Street.
• Public Festival | DIY: Immersive Approaches to Making May 10–12, Bard Graduate Center, 38 West 86th Street.
• Global Design NYU May 11–15, 10 am–5 pm, NYU Gallatin School of Individualized Study, 1 Washington Place.

• Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum – Debuting during NYCxDESIGN, Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color Exhibition explores how color has captivated artists, designers, scientists, and philosophers for centuries. Featuring over 170 historic and contemporary works from the permanent collection and Smithsonian Design Library, the exhibition explores how color is an important tool for designers of virtually all disciplines. May 11, 2018–January 13 2019, 10 am, Cooper Hewitt, 2 East 91st Street.
• Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) – Tanya Aguiñiga: Craft & Care debuted on May 8th and highlights the art and activism of Tanya Aguiñiga, founder of AMBOS. Also on view during NYCxDESIGN is Derrick Adams: Sanctuary and La Frontera: Encounters Along the Border as well as Surface/Depth: The Decorative After Miriam Schapiro. May 8–September 23, 10 am–9 pm, The Museum of Arts and Design, 2 Columbus Circle.
• Brooklyn Museum – Brooklyn Designs is moving to Brooklyn Museum from May 12–13 for the 15th edition of Brooklyn’s pioneering design event. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn.
• Museum of Modern Art – The MoMA Design Store will present “La French Tech” a selection of innovative, connected objects from the best startups from France, and only available exclusively during NYCxDESIGN. May 10–29, MoMA Design Store, 81 Spring Street and 11 W. 53rd Street.
• Museum at FIT – The Museum at FIT will showcase the FIT Art and Design Graduating Student Exhibition. May 9–24, 12–8 pm, FIT, Seventh Avenue at 27th Street.
• The Ukrainian Museum – Traditional folk costumes have served as the inspiration for couture lines such as Jean Paul Gaultier’s spring 2006 collection, and the “vyshyvanka”—a recent runway favorite for designers. The exhibition Timeless Treasures features 20 complete folk costumes, intricately woven wrap skirts, embroidered shirts, elaborate headdresses, accessories, and more. March 14–September 23, 11:30 am–5 pm, Ukrainian Museum, 222 East 6th Street.
• The Noguchi Museum – Akari: Sculpture by Other Means explores Noguchi’s near limitless ambitions for luminous paper lanterns as both sculptures and a way to transform any space into a home by making light an organizing sculptural principle. The exhibition also includes a fascinating selection of archival materials, with vintage photographs, advertisements, and Akari catalogues, that suggests that Noguchi’s thinking about the presentation of Akari was a continually shifting enterprise. February 28, 2018–January 27, 2019, 10 am–5 pm, The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33^rdRoad, Queens.
• Museum of the City of New York – The Future City Lab is the interactive culmination of New York at Its Core, MCNY’s signature exhibition on New York’s past and present. The Lab invites you to consider the big challenges facing New York City today and to imagine solutions for a better future. The exhibition captures the pulse of the city through creative design games, immersive animated maps, data visualizations, and interpretations of New York’s diverse subcultures, street life, and the invisible patterns of city living. January 1–December 31, 10 am–6 pm, Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Avenue.
• Museum of Jewish Heritage – Each year, PSFK celebrates innovation and ideas driving the new customer experience at our flagship conference. In 2018, we’ll be bringing to life key trends through uplifting talks and stimulating activations by pioneers at renowned and rising companies across three spaces: Design & Experience, Reframing Business, and Insight Into Humanity. May 18, 8:30 am–5 pm, Museum of Jewish Heritage, 36 Battery Place.
• The Jewish Museum – Kelly Taxter, Associate Curator moderates a discussion with artist Tom Burr and writer and critic Kirsty Bell focusing on central themes in the exhibition Marc Camille Chaimowicz: Your Place or Mine . . . May 17, 6:30–8 pm, The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Avenue.