Preparations are already under way for a new edition of Downtown Design bringing a remarkable range of events and exhibitions to support and enliven the fair, which is organized by Art Dubai Group. The fulcrum of Dubai Design Week (the region’s most important creative festival), Downtown Design takes the stage from 9 to 12 November, in its usual location of Dubai Design District (d3).
This 9th iteration stands out from its predecessors for its programme of initiatives, including “made to measure” audience programmes for visitors, based on profile and interests. Along with the high quality of exhibitors and installations on view, the great virtue of Downtown Design lies in its ability to bring together the most outstanding design professionals and decision makers of the industry from the Middle East, Africa, Asia, as well as the western world.
Talks, master-classes, networking events and guided tours pace the four days, providing opportunities for discussion, education and business, accompanied by new programmes aimed at specific target audiences, based on precise interests, for a verticalized array of happenings and attractions. Among the new developments for 2022, these features are joined by an ambitious sustainability plan and the main champagne lounge hosted by Veuve Clicquot, celebrating its 250th anniversary in this context.
The B2B event par excellence on design in the Middle East, Downtown Design also looks to an audience of consumers thanks to an extensive array of collections, innovative products and décor solutions created by both international and regional talents.
With more than 150 brands showing last year in the 2021 edition of the fair, this November will feature names like Cosentino, Minotti, Lasvit and Pedrali, but also CC-Tapis which will present an exclusive collection of carpets by Bethan Laura Wood, Parisian design gallery Anne Jacquemin Sablon will present pieces by interior designer Tristan Auer among others, Colombian textile studio Verdi are returning with a showcase of handcrafted pieces of rare natural fibres weaved with metals; Lutron, which will stage an experience of architectural lighting, and Vitra, launching its collaboration with Tom Dixon in the Middle East.
Alongside contemporary design and contract furniture and applications, in this panorama the group show of Downtown Edition stands out, with its focus on limited editions and bespoke creations made by independent designers and studios. Furthermore, large spaces will be set aside for rising talents, pop-up concepts and installations offering new expressions of local design, in direct dialogue with the leading representatives of global design.
Images © courtesy Downtown Design
