22 May Nairobi Design Week 2024
The pulse of creativity beats once again in Nairobi as the city welcomes back Nairobi Design Week for its 9th edition, hosted at the Opportunity Factory. With the theme ‘We Got This’, this year’s event promises to be a celebration of resilience, ingenuity, and the power of design to shape the future.
Nairobi Design Week has always been a melting pot of ideas, and this year is no exception. From cutting-edge technologies to timeless fashion, the event showcases the best of Kenyan creativity and innovation. Attendees can expect a diverse array of products, digital works, interactive experiences, and more, highlighting the breadth and depth of the design landscape in Kenya.
One of the standout exhibits comes from Ananse Africa, who hosts a masterclass on ecommerce and digital marketing, offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in the digital age. Meanwhile, Circleg showcases the latest in prosthetic design, demonstrating how innovation in design can transform lives and redefine possibilities.
Supported by the British Council, Creative DNA shines a spotlight on emerging fashion designers, giving them a platform to showcase their talent and offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of Kenyan fashion. Africa Collect Textiles, on the other hand, demonstrates the art of repurposing denim and invites visitors to a textile photo booth, highlighting sustainability and creativity in one fell swoop.
But Nairobi Design Week is not just about exhibits; it’s also about fostering dialogue and driving change. Installations like the mural against violence towards women and the braille installation by Hisi Studio provoke thought and inspire action, while panel discussions and workshops sponsored by Microsoft delve into the future of AI and technology, shaping the conversation around innovation and inclusion.
One of the most exciting initiatives of the festival is the ‘Redesign Everything Challenge’ by What Design Can Do, which encourages entrepreneurs to embrace circular design and sustainability. Winners not only receive cash prizes but also gain access to an accelerator program, empowering them to bring their ideas to life and make a real impact on the world.
As Nairobi Design Week 2024 unfolds, it’s clear that creativity knows no bounds. From digitizing world heritage sites to reinventing textiles with pineapple fibers, the possibilities are endless. So whether you’re a design enthusiast, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply curious about the power of creativity, Nairobi Design Week offers something for everyone.
