WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 27, 2024)

DC Design Week, an annual design celebration organized by AIGA DC, will return this fall for its 16th year. Endorsed by DC city entities such as the Office of the Mayor, Events DC and DC Commission of the Arts and Humanities, this officially recognized week of events will once again unite the creative forces of Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. The theme, "Stories Within," celebrates and amplifies design's impact on the stories we tell.

“This year’s theme symbolizes the emergence of everything that resides within us, giving a voice to our diverse sentiments and serving as a creative medium that deserves to be both seen and heard,” said J’Nay Penn, Deputy Director of DC Design Week. “It's a testament to the power of design to connect us through shared experiences and narratives."

DC Design Week will kick off on Friday, September 27, with opening remarks from Mayor Muriel Bowser at Dupont Underground followed by a live set from DJ Tyra the Zombie and continue through Friday, October 4. Attendees can look forward to a creative review session with industry experts at the Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at George Washington University on September 29. The week-long celebration will feature a total of eight events, including workshops, panel discussions and networking opportunities, with world-class partnerships and sponsorships with brands such as Adobe, NASA, ARTECHOUSE and Capital Pride.

Cheryl D. Holmes-Miller, prominent American graphic designer and advocate for design justice, will launch her new book, HERE: Where the Black Designers Are, at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts as part of her upcoming book tour on October 2. Holmes-Miller, a proud DC native, will be this year's Keynote Speaker during the School's 50th-anniversary celebration and will be interviewed by Julie Anixter, former Executive Director of AIGA. The week of celebrations will end with a Closing Party presented by Events DC at Hill Prince. A complete list of this year’s events is available at www.dcdesignweek.org. 

In addition to uniting creatives, DC Design Week’s mission is to raise funds for the Design Continuum Fund, a scholarship given to underrepresented designers and artists. “DC Design Week fuels innovation and a pipeline of creative careers by making space for more opportunities and a more impactful design economy,” said Executive Director of DC Design Week, Kela Lester. “Our growing Design Continuum Fund invests in the future and empowers the next generation to share their ‘Stories Within.’”

DC Design Week is made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners. 

For more information about DC Design Week, including event schedules, volunteer opportunities and sponsorship details, visit www.dcdesignweek.org.

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About DC Design Week: 

DC Design Week is an annual celebration organized by a dedicated group of volunteers from AIGA DC. It brings together events that celebrate creativity across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, fostering a vibrant and inclusive creative community. Visit dcdesignweek.org for more information or follow DC Design Week on LinkedIn, X , Facebook and Instagram.

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Julia Parker 

PR Manager, DC Design Week

dcdw@dc.aiga.org