Mission

DesignPhiladelphia demonstrates, supports, and promotes the ability that design has to generate innovation, solve problems, enhance daily life, and influence both the perception and economics of the region. Through programming, DesignPhiladelphia consolidates the city’s design culture, bringing together innovative educators, established manufacturers, creative entrepreneurs, emerging practices, commercial businesses and retailers, to brand Philadelphia as a 21st-century city shaped by design, technology, and business.

GOALS >>

PROMOTE
Showcase design, designers, and design methodologies as integral components of building socially and environmentally sustainable communities.

GROW
Increase the opportunity for trade and investment in Philadelphia’s design sector.

NETWORK & DISCOVER
Create opportunities for networking, dialogue, and discovery of the city and its cultural and historic assets.

RETAIN
Provide opportunities for young people, students, and graduates to interact with the design community by facilitating participation, encounters, and training.

EDUCATE
Advance public awareness of the role design plays in everyday life.

BUILD REPUTATION
Enhance the reputation and vitality of Philadelphia as a design destination and center for creative excellence, engagement, and innovation.

MEASURE & SUSTAIN
Evaluate impact and assure sustainability.

Feedback

DesignPhiladelphia raises awareness of Philly as a great destination for creative professionals. The more we raise awareness — let people know how much great stuff is going on here -- the better we'll be at recruiting great people.

DesignPhiladelphia has built a strong community that cares about their city and its design.

Susan Szenasy, editor in chief, Metropolis magazine

A city has four natural advantages: variety, convenience, discovery, and opportunity. Everything should be done to protect these advantages. Everything.

DesignPhiladelphia is one of the most important design festivals in the country, uniting and highlighting all design disciplines to promote a unique and innovative Philadelphia.

DesignPhiladelphia is crucial to ensuring that our various design disciplines — whether they are graphic design, fashion, furniture or architecture — have a convening force.

Diana Lind, editor in chief, Next City

DesignPhiladelphia is a model for how cities can leverage their local assets and create a compelling urban brand, one that attracts visitors and new residents alike.

Jason Schupbach, director of design for the National Endowment for the Arts

Design Philadelphia sends a strong signal that this city has a vital creative economy and is an innovation hub. It builds the Philadelphia brand on the inside of the city and radiates it outside to the world.

Alina Wheeler, branding expert and author of Designing Brand Identity and the Brand Atlas

Philadelphia was once known as "The Workshop of the World." The city's identity as a hub for creative activity has never vanished - instead it's been transformed.