About
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Mission
NYCxDESIGN connects and amplifies the broad coalition of design that fuels New York City and enriches the world.
Purpose
At the heart of NYCxDESIGN’s mission lies the NYCxDESIGN Festival, an annual citywide celebration featuring hundreds of design events, from exhibits and trade shows to talks and tours, drawing hundreds of thousands attendees from near and far, making it a must-attend for design enthusiasts worldwide.
Beliefs
We firmly believe that design stands as a paramount force in tackling and resolving the most urgent societal challenges.
Our conviction lies in New York City as a global epicenter of design, hosting a diverse array of professionals and disciplines that collectively form the largest design community worldwide.
We strongly hold that our greatest strength emerges when we unite to exchange and articulate a myriad of perspectives, fostering a powerful environment for collaboration and progress.
We champion a fundamental principle rooted in sustainability, social diversity, and justice for all.
Value
NYCxDESIGN plays a vital role in connecting and amplifying the robust design culture of New York City. It not only enriches the creative landscape but also has far-reaching economic, educational, and cultural benefits for the industry, the City, its businesses, residents and visitors.
NYCxDESIGN’s core values are centered in community and creativity with an ever-present consciousness of inclusivity, equality, diversity, sustainability and regenerative design for humanity’s greater good.
Economic Impact: The design industry is a significant contributor to New York City’s economy. NYCxDESIGN brings in a large number of visitors, which has a positive impact on local businesses.
Fostering Creativity and Collaboration: NYCxDESIGN creates a vibrant and dynamic environment where designers from various disciplines can come together, share ideas, and collaborate on projects.
Showcasing Innovation: NYCxDESIGN serves as a platform for designers, artists, and innovators to display their creations and ideas.
Educational Opportunities: NYCxDESIGN often includes workshops, seminars, and lectures, providing valuable learning experiences for emerging and established designers, students and aspiring designers.
Promoting Design as a Career: By showcasing the achievements and impact of designers, especially those based in NYC, it encourages young talent to consider design as a viable and fulfilling career path.
Cultural Exchange: NYCxDESIGN attracts a diverse range of participants and attendees from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and exposing attendees to different design philosophies, styles, and techniques.
Sustainable Design Advocacy: NYCxDESIGN often features discussions and exhibitions focused on sustainable and eco-friendly design practices, encouraging the industry to adopt more environmentally conscious approaches.
Supporting Diverse Local Talent: NYCxDESIGN provides a platform for local designers and artisans of all backgrounds to gain recognition and exposure. This is crucial for sustaining a thriving design community within the city and ensuring inclusivity and attention.
City Branding: NYCxDESIGN helps in establishing New York City’s reputation as a global design and cultural capital, and attracts designers and design enthusiasts, elevating the city’s overall image and appeal.
NYCxDESIGN's History
In 2011, a comprehensive Bloomberg Administration survey underscored the immense size and influence of New York City's design community and prompted the creation of NYCxDESIGN through a City Council initiative. This endeavor aimed to convene and promote the flourishing design industry within the city and promote industry tourism.
The overseeing City organizations NYC & Company – now known as NYC Tourism and Convention – and the New York City Economic Development Corporation, appointed Edward Hogikyan to spearhead the official ‘design week’, named NYCxDESIGN Festival. Over its eight formative years, Hogikyan successfully elevated NYCxDESIGN Festival to become one of the preeminent design festivals globally, joining Milan, Paris, and London on the design world stage.
Inaugurated in May 2012, NYCxDESIGN Festival recognized and promoted the achievements of established design events and fairs in New York City, including ICFF, and the younger WantedDesign. Throughout the subsequent decade, additional anchor events were introduced to enhance the NYCxDESIGN Festival experience, including Design Pavilion that heightened public awareness, the NYCxDESIGN Awards presented by Interior Design Magazine, and the NYCxDESIGN Student Showcase.
In September 2020, with the support and assistance of SANDOW, the notable publishing company, NYCxDESIGN underwent a significant transformation, transitioning into a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. This strategic shift positioned the entity for sustained success in serving New York City’s dynamic design community and fostering increased tourism in celebration of its annual design festival.
The Power of Design in New York
New York City stands out as one of the foremost design capitals globally, with its design culture ingrained in its DNA, creative vitality, and economic fabric.
NYC boasts the highest concentration of designers and architects per capita compared to any other city worldwide, featuring an impressive landscape with over 60,000 designers and architects, 8,000 design and architectural firms, and a rich tapestry of 1,000 museums and galleries. The city is also home to ten of the world’s premier design schools.
As the epicenter of the world’s largest design community, New York City possesses an unparalleled inherent design audience, making it the prime gateway for brands seeking entry into the U.S. market.
NYCxDESIGN actively positions NYC as an authentic design destination, a pivotal nexus where design culture converges with industry. It functions as a dynamic connector and platform for idea exchange, bolstering and unifying the city’s influential and diverse design sectors.
NYCxDESIGN Opportunities
As a non-profit organization, NYCxDESIGN FESTIVAL New York City’s Official Celebration of Design NYCxDESIGN is New York City’s most impactful annual design event. Each year the festival is an opportunity to spotlight New York City as a leading global design center. Building opportunities for diverse design voices is key to our position as a cultural capital.
NYCxDESIGN extends its impact beyond the annual Festival by spearheading meaningful year-round programs that champion diversity, foster equitable opportunities, and promote inclusion within the city’s design professions. Through engaging public activations and open events, we aspire to ignite inspiration in young individuals, encouraging them to envision themselves as the future designers and problem solvers of our city.
Year-round, NYCxDESIGN amplifies the voices of New York City designers through:
NYCxDESIGN Keynote, high level presentations
Design Pavilion, immersive outdoor public activations
NYCxDESIGN Mic podcast hosted by Debbie Millman
NYCxDESIGN Awards presented by Interior Design Magazine
NYCxDESIGN Design Tours and Talks, highlighting NYC’s most creative minds
Ode to NYC poster campaign
Emerging Designer Residency, supporting the work of designers in the early stages of their careers
And there is so much more to explore!
Board of Directors
Chair,
Erica Holborn
CEO, SANDOW Design Group
Director,
Amaechi Uzoigwe
Amaechi Uzoigwe
Manager, Run The Jewels
Director,
Elan Cole
New York City Tourism + Conventions
Treasurer,
Benjamin Prosky
Benjamin Prosky
President, Classical American Homes Preservation Trust
Director,
Sonia Park
Sonia Park
Vice President, New York City Economic Development Corporation
Director,
Kimberly Weinrick
Kimberly Weinrick
Strategic Communications
Rock The Street, Wall Street
Team
Executive Director,
Ilene Shaw
Producer,
Bethany McHugh
Producer,
Michael Ruocco