Detroit Month of Design puts ideas in motion

State of play: The theme, "Design Moves the Future," will be reflected in various events from exhibitions, panels and product debuts to tours that explore design studios and hands-on workshops.

Context: Detroit is the sole UNESCO-designated City of Design in the U.S. That makes it part of a global collaborative network prioritizing creativity when tackling civic challenges and growing economies.

• Detroit is also recognized for its history of inventing industrial design, according to Design Core Detroit, which runs the festival.

Some highlights of the design month calendar:

🌉 "Between Your Love and Mine": Architectural installations that reflect the U.S.-Canada border as a place for vibrant cultural exchange instead of political tension.

• Sept. 3-30 in Little Village, 1265 Parkview St.

🧑‍🎓 "Live/Work": The Cranbrook Academy of Art's open studio event shows how its graduates' work helps others — say, with economic opportunities or community engagement.

• Sept. 19, 12-5pm at 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills.

⚒️ Workshop: Build and customize a table/stool with designer Tony Printz.

• 1-5pm for two days, Sept. 12-13, at Chroma, 2937 E Grand Blvd. in Detroit.

🪩 Eastern Market After Dark: The month's signature event. Grab drinks and food, experience design installations and visit businesses and artists' displays. Get there early for parking.

• 6-11pm Sept. 17.

Go deeper: The full calendar