The annual DesignTO Festival 2024 officially launched last weekend at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto.
The city became an epicentre for design as the highly-anticipated festival continues until Jan. 28. The annual festival paid homage to the role of design in fostering sustainability and showcasing the best of local and international talent.
Attendees at the launch party last weekend included Mayor Olivia Chow, Deputy Mayor Ausma Malik, and Parliamentary Assistant Laura Smith, representing Neil Lumsden, minister of tourism, culture and sport. The festival encapsulated Toronto’s vision for a sustainable and equitable world.
Hosted at Harbourfront Centre on Toronto’s waterfront, the launch converted the venue into a hub of creativity and innovation. Visitors experienced an immersive multimedia installation crafted by the local Elsewhere Collective, showcasing an intersection of art and technology.
“While the ritual of our morning coffee or cup of tea gives us a momentary sense of comfort, the refuse from our simple daily habit adds to our ongoing issues with landfills,” said Jennifer Coghill, an artist displaying their work at DesignTO. “By turning this garbage into art, can we challenge our preconceptions on what we do with our waste?”
Sculptures by Nuhad Haffar-Orsini. The display is part of the 2024 DesignTO Festival. Photo credit: Niharika Nayak
Yonge and St. Clair BIA, one of the event’s sponsors, is hosting six installations and features a guided tour across the neighbourhood. Many of the installations are displayed in the front lobbies of modern office towers.
Aakash Patil, a Conestoga College graduate, said he is a big fan of monochrome designs.
“Exploring DesignTO’s exhibits is like stepping into a world where creativity knows no bounds. All Eyes On You by Anna Pogossyan and And I Know You’ll Never See This by Olivia Mae Sinclair and The Collective are two installations I’m keen on exploring,” he said.
The lineup includes a slew of events, exhibitions, and installations offering a unique platform for designers to present their work, either in-person or online.
Priyanshi Mehta, a student at Algoma University, visited a few installations with her friends.
“I really enjoyed DesignTO 2024 and the exhibits they had on display. It was an immersive experience and I really look forward to what they have in store for us next year,” she said. “I’m a fan of Francois Boutet’s work and enjoyed his piece at Beauchamp Art Gallery windows.”
This festival is a chance for designers to connect, share insights, and explore the boundaries of their craft. The organizers welcome different perspectives, creating opportunities for emerging talents, seasoned professionals, and design enthusiasts alike.
Whether you’re a seasoned designer or simply curious about the world of design, the 2024 DesignTO Festival is set to captivate and inspire. The festival’s How to Participate page serves as a comprehensive guide, offering information on showcasing work, essential dates, and more.