Detroit's Month of Design returns with sustainability focus
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Eastern Market after Dark, the signature event of the Detroit Month of Design. Photos: Courtesy of Design Core Detroit
UNESCO dubbed Detroit the sole City of Design in the U.S. a decade ago, and nearly 100 events in September are celebrating that milestone.
Why it matters: Exhibitions, studio tours, product displays, parties and workshops during the 15th annual Detroit Month of Design festival connect designers and artists while showing the public how design can improve our world.
- Think of industry, architecture, technology and furniture — as well as culture, art and music.
Context: As a UNESCO City of Design, Detroit is part of a global collaborative network prioritizing creativity when tackling civic challenges and growing economies.
- It also gets recognition for its history of inventing industrial design, according to Design Core Detroit, which runs the festival.
The big picture: Design Core is tying this year's events to the UN's 17 sustainable development goals, an international blueprint for tackling problems like climate change, poverty and justice.
- Incorporating these goals into the Month of Design shows people how they can tie Detroit's UNESCO design designation into their own lives, Design Core co-executive director Kiana Wenzell tells Axios.
Zoom in: Some highlights of the design month calendar:
🚶 Belle Isle Commons: An interactive preview of the proposal to create a walkable central space on the island park.
- 3 Inselruhe Ave. on Belle Isle, 6-9pm Sept. 16.
🏡 From Our Side of the Street: A storytelling installation from generations of Black Detroiters, centered on the front porch as a space for community, history and resistance.
- 633 Plum St., 3-8pm Sept. 21.
🗑️ Waste to Wander: A panel and exhibition on reuse, including a "City of Tomorrow" model showing how a city can use technology and waste for sustainability.
- Urban Tech Xchange, 1520 Woodward Ave.; 4-7pm Sept. 10.
☀️ On Air Off Grid: Join Solar Party Detroit, which rents out solar generators for DJ equipment and electronics, for sets celebrating its fifth anniversary.
- Location TBD, 3-8pm Sept. 20.
🪩 Last but not least, the party: Eastern Market After Dark is the signature event. Grab drinks and food, experience design installations and visit businesses and artists' displays. Get there early for parking.
- 6-11pm Sept. 18.