WantedDesign Returns to Industry City: A Decade of Design Innovation and Community Spirit
Every year, the bustling creative hub of Brooklyn lights up with the highly anticipated return of WantedDesign. This prestigious design-event curator and store is renowned for its commitment to showcasing groundbreaking design and fostering a vibrant community. The multi-faceted, ten-day-long program unfolds within the dynamic industrial landscape of Sunset Park’s Industry City, creating an unparalleled immersive experience. This grand celebration of creativity strategically coincides with Industry City’s much-loved annual Open Studios, ensuring a synergistic convergence of design enthusiasts, professionals, and the public.
WantedDesign has firmly established itself as a pivotal platform in the global design calendar, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in product design, furniture, textiles, and beyond. Its presence at Industry City transforms the sprawling complex into a temporary but potent epicenter of innovative thought and artistic expression. This unique partnership not only highlights the best of contemporary design but also underscores the crucial role of Brooklyn as a breeding ground for creative talent and forward-thinking initiatives. Visitors are treated to an extensive array of installations, discussions, and interactive experiences, all designed to inspire and educate.
A Kaleidoscope of Creativity: Featuring Diverse Exhibitions
At the heart of WantedDesign’s expansive program are its meticulously curated exhibitions, which collectively feature the works of sixteen distinct local and national design groups. These exhibitions serve as a testament to the diverse and ever-evolving landscape of modern design, offering insights into various disciplines, materials, and cultural influences. Each showcase is carefully selected to reflect both established trends and emerging directions, providing a comprehensive overview for industry professionals and design aficionados alike.
Among the standout participants is the acclaimed Identity Design Action: East New York. This initiative champions a community- and economic development–focused approach to design, demonstrating how thoughtful design solutions can profoundly impact urban communities. Their presentation typically delves into projects that address local needs, foster social cohesion, and stimulate economic growth, proving that design is not just about aesthetics but also about actionable, positive change. Their work provides a powerful example of how design thinking can be a tool for empowerment and transformation within historically underserved areas.
Another captivating presence is Gowanus’ Brooklyn Glass, a facility renowned for its exquisite glass art. Visitors to their exhibition can anticipate a breathtaking display of both functional and sculptural glass pieces, ranging from delicate blown forms to robust, innovative installations. Brooklyn Glass showcases the intricate techniques and profound artistry involved in working with this challenging yet rewarding medium, highlighting the skill and passion of its artists. Their work often explores the interplay of light, form, and transparency, captivating audiences with its ethereal beauty and technical mastery.
Rounding out this impressive roster is The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design’s textile and furniture studio, Made in Western North Carolina. This exhibition celebrates the rich heritage and contemporary relevance of craft, bringing to the forefront unique pieces that blend traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities. Their focus on textiles and furniture often incorporates sustainable practices and natural materials, reflecting a deep respect for both the environment and artisanal craftsmanship. This group offers a compelling narrative on the enduring value of handmade objects in a world increasingly dominated by mass production, emphasizing quality, durability, and a connection to place.
These exhibitions collectively paint a vivid picture of design’s expansive reach, from its capacity to revitalize communities to its ability to transform raw materials into objects of beauty and utility. They encourage dialogue, spark inspiration, and provide a platform for designers to share their visions with a broad and engaged audience.
Nurturing Future Talent: The Dynamic Design Schools Workshop
Beyond the impressive array of exhibitions, WantedDesign places a strong emphasis on education and the cultivation of future talent through its highly anticipated Design Schools Workshop. This collaboration-focused competition brings together an inspiring cohort of design students from leading institutions around the globe. The workshop is more than just a contest; it’s a crucible for innovation, designed to foster cross-cultural exchange and hands-on learning.
During the intense workshop period, these international students are paired with various Brooklyn-based makers – a strategic partnership that bridges academic theory with practical, local craftsmanship. This unique mentorship model allows students to gain invaluable real-world experience, working alongside seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of expertise and local knowledge to the table. The synergy between diverse perspectives and practical skills often leads to unexpected and brilliant outcomes.
Each year, the workshop revolves around a compelling theme, with this particular edition embracing the concept of “playfulness.” This theme encourages participants to explore design through a lens of joy, experimentation, and imaginative freedom. Playfulness in design can manifest in various ways: from interactive objects that invite user engagement, to furniture pieces that challenge conventional forms, or textiles that burst with whimsical patterns and textures. It’s about designing products that not only serve a function but also evoke emotion, spark curiosity, and bring a sense of delight to everyday life.
The resulting handmade projects are a testament to the students’ creativity and the power of collaborative effort. They embody the spirit of the chosen theme, often pushing the boundaries of material use and conceptual thinking. The intensive process, from initial brainstorming and sketching to prototyping and final fabrication, is a masterclass in design development under pressure. The culmination of this creative journey is a public presentation of each team’s finished products, traditionally held on May 16th at WantedDesign’s iconic Manhattan location. This event offers students a premier platform to showcase their innovative designs to a global audience, including industry leaders, media, and potential employers, providing unparalleled exposure and networking opportunities.
Industry City: The Perfect Canvas for Design Innovation
The choice of Industry City as the venue for WantedDesign’s extensive program is no coincidence. This sprawling 35-acre complex on the Brooklyn waterfront has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a historic industrial park into a vibrant ecosystem for innovators, artists, designers, and manufacturers. Its repurposed warehouses and manufacturing spaces provide an authentic and inspiring backdrop for creative exploration, embodying a spirit of ingenuity and regeneration.
Industry City’s annual Open Studios event, which runs concurrently with WantedDesign, further amplifies the collaborative energy. Open Studios invites the public into the private workspaces of hundreds of artists, makers, and small businesses located within the complex. This unique opportunity allows visitors to witness creative processes firsthand, interact directly with the creators, and purchase unique, handcrafted goods. The convergence of WantedDesign’s curated exhibitions and Industry City’s bustling open studios creates an unparalleled sensory experience, where visitors can immerse themselves in the thriving creative community of Sunset Park.
This synergy between WantedDesign and Industry City highlights Brooklyn’s pivotal role in the global design conversation. It celebrates the borough’s legacy of craftsmanship, its embrace of new technologies, and its unwavering commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive creative economy. The raw, industrial aesthetic of Industry City provides a compelling contrast to the refined designs on display, creating an engaging dialogue between context and content.
A Lasting Impact on the Design Landscape
WantedDesign’s annual program at Industry City is far more than just an event; it’s a vital catalyst for the design industry. It provides an essential platform for emerging designers to gain visibility, for established talents to share their latest innovations, and for the public to engage with the transformative power of design. By bringing together diverse voices and fostering collaborative environments, WantedDesign actively shapes the future of design, promoting sustainability, community engagement, and groundbreaking creativity.
The ten-day program offers an unparalleled opportunity for discovery, learning, and networking. Whether exploring the intricacies of glass art, appreciating the social impact of community-focused design, or witnessing the playful ingenuity of student collaborations, attendees leave with a renewed sense of inspiration and a deeper understanding of the vast potential within the design world. WantedDesign continues to solidify its reputation as a beacon of design excellence, cementing Brooklyn’s status as a global epicenter for creative thought and innovation.
Plan your visit to WantedDesign at Industry City and experience firsthand the exciting confluence of art, craft, and cutting-edge design that defines this extraordinary annual event.