The first edition of the Social Design Distinctions is now a reality, and with it, we have focused on what truly matters: design with impact, with purpose, and with the ability to transform society.

More than 200 people joined us at the ceremony last Thursday at Teatre El Musical in Valencia, which was not only a ceremony for the delivery of distinctions but also a declaration of intent. The talent and career of Manolo Bañó and Hilary Cottam, two leading figures who show us that design is much more than aesthetics: it is a tool for change, were recognized. We also felt proud of the young Valencian talent represented by the exemplary projects of María José Bustos Garnica and Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega, who prove that the future of social design is in good hands from the design and architecture schools of Valencia.

On March 6th, the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia will host the first edition of the Social Design Distinctions at Teatre El Musical in València. These awards aim to highlight the impact of design as a tool for social transformation. In this inaugural edition, the careers of Hilary Cottam and Manolo Bañó will be recognized for their contributions to social design, along with student projects “Fauna, the Toy of Natural Parks” by Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega and “Educational Environments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by María José Bustos Garnica.

The Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia takes a step forward in the institutionalization of design by hosting the first edition of the Social Design Distinctions. This new initiative aligns with our commitment to the cultural and social promotion of design, as well as its contribution to strengthening and advancing the academic field. The recognition is divided into two professional distinctions and two awards for student projects, all linked to sustainability, social design, equality, innovation, ethics, and a strong commitment to design-driven change.

The selection process for these distinctions involved deliberation on strategic and policy-driven objectives, focusing on social design that addresses class and gender issues. Three key criteria were considered: the scope of professional impact, the significance of the projects, and the promotion of social design as a specialized discipline. Based on these criteria, the selection committee has chosen British social designer Hilary Cottam and Valencian designer Manolo Bañó as the recipients of the 2025 professional distinctions. The student distinctions will be awarded to “Fauna, the Toy of Natural Parks” by Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega from Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de Castelló and “Educational Environments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Design Criteria and Strategies” by María José Bustos Garnica from Universitat Politècnica de València.

To conclude the event, Manolo Bañó will deliver a keynote speech, sharing insights from his 25-year career dedicated to social design. His extensive experience as both a designer and educator has established him as one of Spain’s leading industrial designers.

The 2025 Social Design Distinctions ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 PM at Teatre El Musical (Plaça del Rosari 3, València). Admission is free, with prior registration required via the following form: https://fundaciodisseny.typeform.com/social2025

Local and International Recognition of Social Design

These distinctions are established as an annual initiative with the goal of serving as both a professional reference and an educational exercise for society. They send a universal message tied to social values while also acting as a catalyst for future generations. The selection committee—composed of Vicent Martínez, Amparo Bertomeu, and Pepe Cosín from the executive committee of the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia; Kike Correcher and Luis Calabuig as board members of the foundation; and external professionals Xènia Viladàs, Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, and Lilian González—chose Manolo Bañó and Hilary Cottam as the 2025 recipients, recognizing their global impact from a local and international perspective.

The committee was established by the foundation’s Board of Trustees and will invite prominent international figures each year to participate in selecting and honoring both professional designers and student projects. The foundation highlights the invaluable contributions of experts such as consultant and professor Xènia Viladàs, journalist, art historian, and design advocate Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, and Mexican designer Lilian González in launching this initiative.

Social Design from Valencian Schools and Universities

Additionally, the same selection committee reviewed over one hundred student submissions from various institutions and universities across the Region of Valencia over the past two years, ultimately selecting two outstanding projects. The organization specifically acknowledges the dedication of Valencian schools and the high quality of the final projects.

“Fauna, the Toy of Natural Parks” is the Bachelor’s Degree Final Project in Graphic Design by Juan Manuel Pedro Aránega from the Escola d’Art i Superior de Disseny de Castelló, supervised by Ester Parra Sebastià. The project proposes an educational and inclusive toy that connects the Natural Parks of Castellón with educational centers, going beyond one-time visits. Through a graphic system and an advertising campaign, it aims to position these spaces as key destinations for family leisure, integrating exercises and materials designed with educators to foster literacy, creativity, and motor skills, while ensuring classroom inclusivity. Additionally, the visual identity was developed in collaboration with students from CEE Baix Maestrat, validating its educational impact through workshops in schools.

Meanwhile, “Educational Environments for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Design Criteria and Strategies” by María José Bustos Garnica is her Master’s Final Project for the Advanced Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism, and Design degree, supervised by José Luis Baró Zarzo and Ana Pascual Rubio at the School of Architecture of the Universitat Politècnica de València. This research examines how architecture influences the education of children with ASD, proposing design criteria that enhance their well-being and development. Given the lack of specific regulations, the project analyzes spatial, sensory, and emotional needs, evaluates existing adapted educational centers, and establishes strategies for more inclusive environments. Through a comprehensive approach, it extracts architectural guidelines that facilitate learning and autonomy, promoting accessible and universal architecture.

During the ceremony, special recognition will be given to the mentorship behind these student projects, as well as to their respective schools.

The design of the professional distinctions themselves will be unveiled during the event. These unique pieces have been created by Matterica, a Valencian studio that blends craftsmanship and design to produce jewelry that bridges tradition and modernity. Another Valencian company, the winery Dominio de la Vega, will provide the honorary wine reception following the awards ceremony, featuring its first organic wines—a project deeply rooted in sustainability and guided by designer Inma Bermúdez.

The ceremony is made possible thanks to the support and collaboration of the Cultural Action Delegation of the València City Council, Teatre El Musical (TEM), and Caixa Popular, a financial institution committed to promoting social values and fostering their development within the schools of the Region of Valencia.

 

· Thursday, March 6, at 8:00 PM
· Doors open at 7:30 PM
· Teatre El Musical (Plaça del Rosari 3, València)
· Free tickets and admission with registration at: https://fundaciodisseny.typeform.com/social2025

 

UPDATE: Read the coverage of the Distinctions ceremony > HERE

• The Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia has been included in the European organization BEDA as a member in the category of design promotion entity

• With this historic step, our Design Foundation reaffirms its commitment to promoting design and the internationalization of the Region of Valencia, ensuring that this territory continues to be a global benchmark in the field of design and innovation.

Valencia continues to write its history in design and creativity on a global scale. The Design Foundation has managed – throughout its trajectory – to position the city within the main international networks and organizations in the sector. The latest unprecedented milestone was achieved this February, as the European organization BEDA (Bureau of European Design Associations) has included the Design Foundation as a member in the category of design promotion entity.

By joining BEDA, the Design Foundation strengthens its international voice within an organization founded in 1969 and headquartered in Brussels. This non-profit association is dedicated to promoting the value of design and innovation in the European economy, fostering a permanent connection between its members – currently over 50 in 28 European countries – and the European Union authorities. Being part of this network, which includes design organizations as well as professional and trade associations, allows the Fundació to continue driving the value of Valencian design internationally, connecting with other key organizations, and contributing to the sector’s development with an innovative and committed vision.

Once again, from the Fundació del Disseny, we want to contribute our bit to the search -sometimes not so easy- for the perfect gift for family, friends, couples or invisible friends. A list that has already become a tradition that this year, more than ever, wants to publicize brands and Valencian design professionals, in many cases through solidarity initiatives or simply to support after the impact of the dana on their businesses. But not only. In these fourteen ideas there are gifts from the publishing sector, decorative, sustainable or simply smell València.

Everyone can make use of the recommendations they like. Happy holidays.

And again, the inevitable happens. We say goodbye to one year and, inherently, we generate space for everything that the next one will bring. We make a review, evaluate the highs, the lows and the averages, and learn from it all to continue advancing on a path that already totals, in the case of the Fundació del Disseny, two years of transversal work by and for design, in its broadest sense.

 

2024 has undoubtedly been a year of consolidating projects, connecting with other entities, placing Valencia on the international design map, and obtaining local and national recognition.

 

In the last twelve months we have worked continuously for the celebration of our major projects, those that bring together both the professional sector and the general public, so that the design, in its different aspects, reaches society as we promised when we laid the bases of the Foundation. In February, the Filmin film platform premiered the documentary “Valencia 22. City of design”, by director Andreu Signes. It compiles, shows and highlights what it meant for the city of Valencia to have been named World Design Capital. Testimonies interspersed with a sample of everything lived in the year of its celebration, 2022. Two months later, in April and coinciding with the 59th edition of the Fira del Llibre de València, the first volume of “Scenes of Valencian design” was presented, published by the Fundació del Disseny, written by Eugenio Viñas and Lidia Caro, and designed by Iban Ramón. Fourteen stories that start from an anecdote to narrate a global, thus explaining the historical journey and capturing the importance of Valencian design. The month of June brought, once again curated by Wences Sanz, the fifth edition of the “Paradís” festival, the day of inspiring talks on design that once again brought together an audience eager for inspiration to listen to national and international speakers from different creative disciplines. Another of the great milestones of this 2024, as far as projects are concerned, has been the celebration of the already consolidated “València Design Fest”, with an agenda that offers citizens a connection with art, architecture or craftsmanship, thanks in the latter case to the great work of Estudio Savage -decorated this year with the Award for the Dissemination of Craftsmanship- with the second edition of the great umbrella “Time and Matter”. A wide variety of activities, meetings and exhibitions that make September the great month of design in our city. Last but not least, of course, the celebration of “Future of Fashion”, curated for the second year by the journalist and communicator Patricia Moreno. Scheduled for October 30, the great impact of the dana in Valencia slowed down any cultural activity, including this congress of fashion and sustainability. After the task of cancellation, communication, full refund of tickets sold, as well as providing a safe return to their homes to those speakers and journalists who had already arrived in the city, the work in the following weeks was directed to celebrate the third edition of “Future of Fashion” as it was planned, or at least in the way that best suited a new date. A hybrid format, which allowed to connect live to the international speakers, as well as an audience present and online, was the way in which finally the congress happened in The Terminal Hub with a great acceptance by the general and specialized public. A closing that leaves a great taste in the mouth for a year in which we have fulfilled the established plan jumping, in addition, the possible potholes encountered.

 

In 2024 we also collaborated in the organization of the exhibition “Tot cor. Art, design and crafts speak of love”. This artistic, collaborative and solidarity project has as its main piece a ceramic heart, created by Pepa Reverter, and that different artists and designers have customized, thus creating a large exhibition of hearts that give life to a great social work. Likewise, the Fundació del Disseny de la CV has collaborated with Turiart in the creation of the tourist routes “València Art & Design Walks”, a proposal that allows the general public to know València from an avant-garde perspective, approaching spaces where design is present in its architecture, interior design or in the project itself that is carried out in the place visited.

 

This year has also been one of recognition for a task that goes beyond even the Foundation itself and takes us to the work of dissemination of design carried out in 2022 during the World Design Capital Valencia. The Laus, the graphic design awards of reference and today the most prestigious in our country, awarded from the ADG-FAD to the exhibition “Design and Health” a bronze for its exhibition graphics. The ADCV awards gala brought four joys: a gold for the website “Icons of Valencian design”, silver in the category of ephemeral spaces for the Ágora València, as well as for the exhibition “Design and health”. The latter was also a finalist in the category of environmental graphics. València World Design Capital 2022 was awarded with the mention in the ADI Culture awards, a recognition that highlighted the excellent dissemination of design from the city of València at international level throughout a whole year with hundreds of activities. “Design is good for health” by Ramón Úbeda, born from the great research work carried out for the exhibition ‘Design and health’, received the gold medal in the category of publications. The silver in this category went to “Neutopías” by Óscar Guayabero. The bronze of the ADI Cultura in the publications level went to “La gran D” by Anatxu Zabalbeascoa, from Podium Podcast and València World Design Capital 2022. For its part, the Ibero-American Design Biennial (Dimad) 2024 from Madrid awarded the prize for the best publication to the highly laureate “Design and health”, and the VI Mostra Internacional d’Audiovisuals d’Artesania de Barcelona selected the audiovisual “Designing the air”, a collaboration with the Chair of Crafts of the UPV by Ángel Blay and Vicent Martínez.

 

In addition to all of the above, the continuous work of collaboration with cultural, tourist or economic projection entities, as well as professionals both locally, nationally and internationally. Closer to home, this year CEI: the center for innovation, design and marketing studies, the European University of Valencia or the degree in Tourism at the University of Valencia, have received Xavi Calvo as director of the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana, to hear how the persevering work – since even before the appointment of Valencia as World Design Capital – has driven the city from the field of design, not only as a professional sector but also as a discipline that permeates the tourist, creative or artistic field. Calvo also participated in a new edition of the CEU UCH University breakfasts, bringing the design perspective to a conversation on the challenges facing cities, and Vicent Martínez, president of the Foundation, gave an emotional lecture at the Ateneo de Castellón on “Valencian design: history and emotion”. The month of December also offered a precious opportunity for the dissemination of design with the editorial event “Graphic Route” vs “Scenes of Valencian design” at Bartleby bookstore together with Barlin Libros. A conversation in which it was possible to review, through the two publications, the history and depth of the city’s design.

 

This entity has also had the opportunity to participate through interviews on the Valencian public radio and television, À Punt, promoting Valencian design in the programs Cadena de Valor or Podríem fer-ho millor, as well as nationally in El País and Las Mañanas de Radio Nacional, and internationally for the DDCAST of the Deutscher Design Club, the most important German platform in the debate on the transformation of design.

 

Looking at the task of international outreach there is a milestone more than remarkable in this 2024: the designation of Valencia as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. This first year, in which the Fundació del Disseny has been the advisory entity of the City Council of Valencia, has offered the opportunity to travel to Braga, to the summit of this network of creative cities; as well as Shanghai or Asahikawa, where our city has been welcomed with open arms and where the different forums have listened attentively to the speeches on how and why Valencia has managed to hold such a title.

 

The Fundació del Disseny has also traveled to Taiwan, with the exhibition “Spanish Landscapes” at the Taiwan Design Museum, curated by Odosdesign and with the support of ICEX. To Canton, thanks to the Chair of Innovation, Design and Interculturality of the Polytechnic University of Valencia, collaborating in the Canton Design Week (GZDW), the largest in Asia, participating in a stand dedicated to promoting Valencian design along with other organizations and companies of reference. Also to Frankfurt, which will be World Design Capital 2026, and to the World Design Network of Cities Meeting organized by World Design Capital San Diego-Tijuana 2024. Likewise, the headquarters of the Fundació del Disseny has received different personalities and entities that, from abroad, have fixed their gaze on our city and our work, and have come to learn more about everything that design contributes to the Valencian economic, business and cultural fabric.

 

Three hundred and sixty-six days of a leap year not to forget, summarized to highlight those milestones and achievements that have shone the most, have had greater diffusion or have obtained greater depth, but that are still the result of daily work, as we said at the beginning, by and for the design by the team and collaborators of the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana.

And once again, the inevitable happens. We bid farewell to a year and inherently create space for all that the next one will bring. We pause and think, evaluate the highs, the lows and everything in between, learning from it all to continue walking along a path that, in the case of our Design Foundation, now spans two years of transversal work for and through design in its broadest sense.

2024 has undoubtedly been a year of consolidating projects, connecting with other entities, placing Valencia on the international design map, and receiving recognition locally and nationally.

Over the past twelve months, we have worked tirelessly on our major projects—those that bring together both professionals and the general public—ensuring that design, in its many forms, reaches society as we promised when laying the foundation of the Fundació. In February, the streaming platform Filmin premiered the documentary Valencia 22. City of Design, directed by Andreu Signes. This work showcases and highlights what it meant for Valencia to be named World Design Capital, interweaving testimonials with a comprehensive overview of the events that shaped 2022.

Two months later, in April, coinciding with the 59th edition of the Fira del Llibre de València, we presented the first volume of Scenes of Valencian Design, published by the Fundació, written by Eugenio Viñas and Lidia Caro, and designed by Iban Ramón. This book tells 14 stories that start with an anecdote and expand into a broader narrative, illustrating the historical journey and significance of Valencian design.

In June, we celebrated the fifth edition of the Paradís festival, curated once again by Wences Sanz. This inspiring design event brought together a diverse audience eager to hear from national and international speakers across various creative disciplines.

Another major highlight of 2024 was the València Design Fest, now a staple in the city’s cultural calendar. With a program that bridges art, architecture, and crafts—thanks to the exceptional work of Estudio Savage and their Time and Matter initiative—the festival turned September into a celebration of design.

Finally, the Future of Fashion congress, curated for the second year by journalist Patricia Moreno, faced unexpected challenges due to a severe storm in October. Despite the initial cancellation, the event was successfully rescheduled and adapted into a hybrid format, offering live connections with international speakers and a mix of in-person and online audiences at The Terminal Hub.

Additionally, in 2024, we collaborated on the exhibition Tot Cor. Art, Design, and Craft Speak of Love, a solidarity project centered around ceramic hearts designed by Pepa Reverter and customized by various artists. We also partnered with Turiart to launch València Art & Design Walks, a series of tours showcasing the city’s design legacy through its architecture, interiors, and creative spaces.

This year also brought significant recognition for our work, including awards at the Laus Awards, ADCV Awards, ADI Cultura Awards, and BID Awards 2024 ceremonies, highlighting projects like Design and Health, World Design Capital Valencia 2022, and Iconos del Diseño Valenciano.

On an international level, Valencia joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, with our Design Foundation advising the City Council of Valencia. This milestone took us to global forums in Braga, Shanghai, and Asahikawa, where Valencia’s achievements were warmly received.

From Taiwan to Frankfurt, Canton, and San Diego-Tijuana, the Foundation has worked tirelessly to promote Valencian design on the world stage. Locally, we continued to collaborate with cultural, educational, and professional entities, ensuring that design remains integral to Valencia’s identity.

A leap year of 366 days, filled with achievements and milestones that reflect our daily commitment to design, driven by the team and collaborators of the Design Foundation of the Region of Valencia.

• It will be held on October 30 at The Terminal Hub, the new technology and innovation hub located at La Marina de València.

• The congress, themed “From Ideas to Action,” will feature participation from brands such as COS, On, Cycle Platform, Logo, Batera Brand, and model Irina Lazareanu, ambassador for No More Plastic, among other presentations yet to be confirmed.

• The congress is promoted and organized by the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana and curated by Patricia Moreno, a journalist and expert in fashion communication.

The third edition of «Future of Fashion» is coming to València on October 30, serving as a meeting point for the fashion industry, the textile sector—of which the Comunitat Valenciana is the 4th largest exporter in Spain—conscious consumers, designers, brands, and students.

«Future of Fashion» 2024 will feature Ken Machado Sugita, Head of Sustainability APAC at On, who will speak about the sports revolution in sustainable fashion from the perspective of a brand that has captured the fashion sector and younger generations with collaborations with Loewe and Zendaya. There will be a roundtable on circularity in the age of microtrends, featuring Daniel Sánchez, CEO of Cycle Platform, Ana Lorido, founder of Logo, and Iñigo Picaza, founder of Batera Brand. Regenerative agriculture in fashion will be another topic, with Emily Oiyama, Head of Sustainability at COS. The congress will close with a conversation with Irina Lazareanu, model and ambassador for No More Plastic. More speakers and presentations will be confirmed in the coming days.

In previous editions, «Future of Fashion» brought together figures and organizations such as Natalia Culebras, Head of Sustainable Design at Dior Men; María Prandi from Business and Human Rights; Mimi Martínez from Fashion Revolution; Carmen Silla from Jeanologia; Regina Polanco, CEO of Pyratex; María Fernanda Hernández Franco, Head of Sustainability at Luisaviaroma; Lily Cole, entrepreneur, activist, model, and actress; H&M Foundation; Teppo Tauriainen, Swedish Ambassador in Madrid; British designer Christopher Raeburn; and Tim Jackson, Director of the British School of Fashion, among others.

Since 2022, the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana—the organizing entity of the event—has aimed to emphasize the role of design as a positive agent of change. Starting in 2023, the project is curated by fashion journalist and communication expert Patricia Moreno, a native of València with more than ten years of experience in fashion magazines and international educational projects. The master of ceremonies will be fellow Valencian Marta Ortiz, who, alongside her career as a runway model and sustainable fashion entrepreneur with her company Matiz, has established herself as a fashion communicator through social media and Vogue Spain.

“After two editions, we had the challenge of continuing our goal of bringing big names in international sustainable fashion to València, and we’ve succeeded. More and more, this congress is positioning itself on the global map of sustainability in the clothing industry, which is great news for our region and all the companies, activists, and initiatives linked to this specialty. During this event, once again, they will have the opportunity to connect with industry players and showcase their projects on a global scale without leaving the city,” said Patricia Moreno, congress curator.

Tickets are now available on the congress website (https://futurefashion.design). Early bird tickets are priced at €20, available while supplies last. The regular price will be €25. Both include coffee and a snack during the morning break, where, as throughout the event, networking between visitors and the local audience will be encouraged. There will be a lunch break, and the event will resume until 6:00 PM.

“At the Fundació del Disseny, we promote design in all its forms, and we couldn’t overlook fashion and textiles, a sector that has historically had significant relevance in the Comunitat Valenciana. Creating spaces for reflection to highlight projects that prioritize sustainability and people’s well-being is one of our priorities. ‘Future of Fashion’ brings to València initiatives from companies and individuals working for a better world through creativity, design, and business, and it is an honor for us that they come to share their stories here,” said Xavi Calvo, Director of the Fundació del Disseny.

«Future of Fashion» is a project promoted by the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana, with the support of the Conselleria of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Ajuntament de València, and The Terminal Hub.

• Design will dominate the cultural and professional agenda of the city throughout September and extend until mid-October, in a year where València stands out as the European Green Capital and has been designated by UNESCO as a City of Design.
• The program, which includes exhibitions, conferences, editorial presentations, workshops, audiovisual screenings, and more, will coincide with major events such as Feria Hábitat, Abierto València, or Valencia Disseny Week.
• The festival, promoted by the Fundació del Disseny, aims to continue projecting the Valencian Community on a national and international scale as a territory indisputably linked to creativity and design.

València Design Fest, driven by the Fundació del Disseny, solidifies in its second edition with a program that covers multiple creative disciplines and invites the public to engage with culture and design.

«Time and Matter»

One of the program’s most notable initiatives is the second edition of «Time and Matter», a project curated by Estudio Savage. This year, it collaborates with the Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i de la Modernitat (MuVIM) and the Irthi Contemporary Craft Council. «Time and Matter» seeks to bring contemporary craftsmanship closer to the general public and reflects on how, alongside design, craftsmanship offers a valid path for development, particularly in the preservation of materials, techniques, and manufacturing processes. The exhibition, titled «Crafting Connections: Exploring Collaborations in Contemporary Crafts», will open at the MuVIM on September 13, coinciding with the festival’s opening event.

Parallel to the exhibition, a series of activities curated by Estudio Savage in collaboration with Camper, Fundación Loewe, and Domaine de Boisbuchet will take place. These include a talk with Barreira A+D (September 9) and a workshop with a multidisciplinary group of creatives, culminating in a presentation on September 13, which aims to consider design as a cultural influence. Additionally, Fundación Loewe will present its Loewe Craft Prize through a talk with two Spanish finalists from the recent editions of these awards (September 17). The extensive program related to «Time and Matter» will also feature meetings with artists and entities such as Domaine de Boisbuchet, Inma Bermúdez, Regina Dejiménez, and Sergio Mendoza at Feria Hàbitat’s nude space (October 1) and a discussion led by Valencian designer Manu Bañó from Mexico City, along with other young designers and artisans (September 24).

«The New Habitat»

On September 18, the study «The New Habitat 25-26: How the Spaces We Inhabit are Changing», conducted by APE Grupo in collaboration with Futurea, the General Council of Official Associations of Interior Decorators and Designers of Spain, Bernadí, and the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana, will be presented. This research aims to demonstrate how interior design, product design, and architecture deeply and meaningfully connect with sociocultural trends. The presentation will be followed by a roundtable discussion with Ángela Montagut (Clap Studio), Fran Sabater (Samaruc Studio), and Alberto Eltini (El Departamento).

Talks

To generate debate and reflection on design, architecture, and urbanism, the festival will include a series of talks (September 19, 26, and October 3) open to the public, featuring professionals such as Erik Harley (expert in Urban Studies), Nuria Moliner (architect and communicator), Nuria Matarredona (architect, researcher, and educator), Beatriz Jacoste (director of KM ZERO), and Juan Ferrero (managing partner of Ramón Esteve), among others.

The Braun Case and Sustainability as a Focus

On October 8, Benjamin Wilson, Global Technology & Design Communications Lead at Braun, will present the book «Braun: Designed to Keep», which outlines the company’s defining moments, main identities, and key figures, providing the most comprehensive history of the German company ever published.

On the same day, Andreu World CEO Jesús Llinares will engage in a discussion with Wilson about the need for a new industrial revolution in design, manufacturing, and global distribution, culminating in a day focused on responsible innovation, circular economy, and sustainability in product design.

The afternoon will close with a roundtable emphasizing the importance of collective change toward more responsible and environmentally respectful practices, aiming to inspire the adoption of more ecological approaches in the industry and promoting innovation and progress toward a positive impact on the planet.

«In this second edition of València Design Fest, we align particularly with the year of the European Green Capital and highlight our recent designation as a UNESCO City of Design, two very complementary milestones that underscore the social role of design and its cross-cutting importance for the development of our society», says Xavi Calvo, director of the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana.

 

«Night at the Museum»

In the exhibition «Night at the Museum. When Nature Awakens the Senses» at the Museum of Fine Arts (starting October 2), vegetation will take over the museum’s interior, creating a series of scenes based on biophilic design: a movement that proposes emulating and integrating natural elements into architecture and interior design for their positive impact on people’s well-being. LZF Lamps and Gandía Blasco Group have jointly conceptualized and designed this intervention, with the participation of another Valencian firm, Greenarea, specialized in creating spaces and vertical gardens with preserved vegetation.

When the Local Meets the Global and Design as Everyday Life

IKEA València will be featured in two activities during València Design Fest. One will be an expert panel where Almudena Cano, Country Home Furnishing & Retail Design Manager at IKEA Spain, and Manuel Delgado, Home Furnishing Direction Leader at IKEA Spain, alongside the IKEA Valencia team, will share IKEA’s creative process, from analyzing macro trends to developing local solutions. This will be an opportunity for professionals and future talent to come together and inspire designs that improve daily life at home.

Additionally, IKEA will present the exhibition «I Can’t Live Without You», where ten renowned Valencian creators will choose two household items they can’t live without.

Editorial Projects, Exhibitions, Cinema, Family Workshops, Talks, and Even a Square Table

València Design Fest aims to leave no one behind and understands design from all possible perspectives. Therefore, the program will also offer:

• Activities for children in collaboration with Cuadernos Rubio (September 17 and 20)
• The «TotCor» exhibition (available at the National Museum of Ceramics and Sumptuary Arts), a collaborative project by Pepa Reverter, in which several artists have designed pieces around the concept of the “cor” (heart in Valencian) to send a message of solidarity.
• The presentation of «Quaderns 2» by the Arxiu Valencià del Disseny (September 23) – an edition that offers an academic perspective on some of the emblematic icons of Valencian design.
• A day focused on cinema and architecture at the Filmoteca (September 25) – with a discussion featuring Vicent Molins (journalist and director of Agència Districte), Carlos Salazar (architect and culture manager at CTAV), and Sara Mansanet (cultural manager and director of La Cabina), followed by the screening of «Mon Oncle».
• A creative gathering around art and craftsmanship (September 24), Mesa Cuadrada #4: «Artistes y/o Artesanes, esa **** movida de siempre», signed by Cuaderno Blablabla and moderated by its founder Sergio Membrillas.
• The talk «City of Design» (September 13): CEI – Centro de Estudios de Innovación Diseño y Marketing – will open its doors to celebrate local talent together with València Design Fest. Xavi Calvo (Director of the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana) will discuss how València has become a global reference for design, from its historical roots to its recent recognition as World Design Capital and City of Design.

 

«València Design Fest 2024 is an invitation to learn and enjoy design. The program is designed to cover many of the disciplines related to design in its mission to foster debate on how to improve and enrich people’s lives through art, culture, and sustainability», says Roberto Heredia, project director of the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana.

Partner Programs

During «the month of design», València Design Fest will coincide with the Feria Hábitat, Textilhogar Home Textiles Premium, and Espacio Cocina SICI by Feria Valencia, and the 15th Edition of Valencia Disseny Week (VDW-15), organized by the Association of Designers of the Valencian Community. Another partner program is the XIII Valencia Comic Conference, which will be held at the Centre Cultural La Nau (September 20-22). Lastly, «Abierto València 2024», the contemporary art gallery festival of the Valencian Community (September 27 – October 4), organized by LAVAC, the Association of Contemporary Art Galleries, will take place.

You can find all the festival information at https://valenciadesignfest.com / Facebook / X / Instagram / Linkedin 

The Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i de la Modernitat (MuVIM) will be the nerve center for many of the festival’s activities this year. However, València Design Fest will take place across many locations in the city, filling València with design and creativity.

The festival is supported by the València City Council, the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce, and Tourism of the Generalitat Valenciana, the Coordination Center for Cultural Industries of the Ministry of Culture, Visit València, Feria Valencia, and València Sustainable European Green Capital 2024.

Additionally, València Design Fest’s main sponsor is the furniture company Andreu World, with additional sponsorship from APE Grupo, Padima, Actiu, Material Bank, Teika, LZF Lamps, Punt, Rolser, Newlyn, and Turia.

The collaborating entities include ADCV, the Interior Designers Association of the Valencian Community (CDICV), the Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i de la Modernitat (MuVIM), the College of Architects of València (CTAV), LAVAC, the Valencian Comic Association, Pocket Design Magazine, the Nude Show of Feria Hábitat Valencia, the Valencian Design Archive, CEU Cardenal Herrera University, EASD (Valencia School of Art and Design), Barreira Arte+Diseño, LABA València, CEI Design School, Las Naves, La Filmoteca (Institut Valencià de Cultura of the Generalitat Valenciana), IRTHI, Rubio, Camper, IKEA València, and Loewe Foundation. 

• The objective of the framework agreement is the joint development of initiatives and projects of interest to the sector and its professionals.
• It will be complemented with agreements identified by projects, in those cases in which, due to their objectives, size or scope, it is deemed appropriate.

València, July 17, 2024 – The Design Foundation of the Valencian Community and the Association of Designers of the Valencian Community (ADCV) have signed a framework collaboration agreement, which will be the basis for the joint development of initiatives and projects of interest to the sector and for its professionals.

The collaboration between both organizations will focus on shared objectives, among which the promotion of design stands out, both nationally and internationally, highlighting its economic, cultural and social relevance; reflection on your practice; ensure and promote ethics and good practices; collaborate for better preparation and collaboration among design professionals, and support and explore changes in the profession.

All of this, with the common global goal of contributing to the strengthening of the Valencian design ecosystem, seeking alliances and synergies with other related entities.

In practice, all this implies the joint carrying out of activities in different areas. The agreement expressly includes the joint organization of cultural, educational and editorial activities; collaboration in research projects, as well as cooperation and technical assistance in the field of new technologies; the establishment of agreements on the provision of services of mutual interest, and the reciprocal transfer of facilities for the development of specific activities, upon request for authorization and availability. Likewise, dialogue for common purposes will be maintained.

For each of the initiatives or projects, the optimal collaboration formula will be jointly defined. The formulation of individualized agreements is also contemplated in those in which it is deemed appropriate, due to their size, scope or objectives.

Good hiring practices

One of the common lines of action of the ADCV and the Fundació del Disseny is the defense of professional ethics and good practices in the contracting of design work. In this agreement, both ratify their union to ensure that they maintain a position against speculative calls or any that are contrary to the ethical standards of the profession.

In this sense, they agree to maintain a proactive attitude in the creation or reformulation of calls that are respectful of the design profession, as well as to disseminate and promote them both among the agents of the sector themselves and among Public Administrations, institutions, companies and all types of organizations. that hire design jobs.

Example of alliance: Valencia Design Month

The first example of joint collaboration after the signing of the new agreement is the promotion and dissemination of the activities and events that will shape the ‘Design Month’ of Valencia, which will take place this year from September 10 to October 10. In these four weeks, the 15th edition of València Disseny Week, a reference initiative organized by the Association of Designers of the Valencian Community (ADCV), the València Design Fest, promoted by the Fundació del Disseny de la Comunitat Valenciana, will converge in the city. , and the large events Feria Hábitat València, Textilhogar Home Textiles Premium and Espacio Cocina SICI.

These events will bring together professionals, companies and national and international institutions in Valencia who, together with citizens, will enjoy local talent, the creative effervescence of our city and the latest trends in design from the Mediterranean.

This week, almost 350 cities that currently make up the UNESCO Creative Cities Network are meeting in Braga, Portugal, to share experiences and exchange knowledge. It also coincides with the 20th anniversary of the creation by UNESCO of the Creative Cities Network.

In the welcome session to the new cities of the Network, Bernard Gaspar (Head of Cultural Action Service of the Valencia City Council) and Xavi Calvo (director of the Design Foundation of the Valencian Community, an entity that participated in the candidacy process ) have presented the case of València as a City of Design in addition to the new brand built from the city’s tourist identity (a branding project that was presented last year with a design by the prestigious studio Lavernia&Cienfuegos in collaboration with the WAY agency).

In the presentation of València, the historical presence of design in the development of Valencian industries and the city itself has been highlighted, which has defined the local heritage, reaching current milestones such as the recent constitution of the Design Council, a municipal advisory body. in design that in its new stage has the presidency of the Councilor for Culture, José Luis Moreno, and with the vice presidency exercised by the general coordinator of strategy, studies and projects of the Valencia City Council, Manuel Tomás, who with the 20 external members confirm an example of good practices in the development of design policies, also becoming the first design council of a city council in our country.

As Gaspar and Calvo emphasized in their conference, design has played a crucial role in Valencia, a role that in recent years has been transferred to the development of the city with sustainability criteria aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda. from the ONU.

The presentation of València has been very well received by the attending delegations, especially by the specific network of Design Cities, who stressed that this designation is not only an achievement but the beginning of a path and a great commitment to networking. Likewise, in the creation of international clusters, the incorporation of Valencia as an international reference in creativity and design will provide examples of cases to work on in the coming years.

The opening ceremony included the participation of the mayor of Braga, Ricardo Rio; the president of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa; the Deputy Director General of Culture of UNESCO, Ernesto Ottone; and the Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres. And later the day was opened to the public, activating a dozen events in other creative points of the Portuguese city under the Be-Creative Ágora umbrella.

During the week, thematic panels on good practices in initiatives and policies based on innovation and culture will continue to be presented, opening work sessions and participatory round tables, and the city manifesto “Braga Manifesto: A Culture Goal for Sustainable” will be signed. Development” where València will reaffirm its commitment to culture, creativity and urban inclusion policies, calling for the integration of culture as an independent objective in the post-2030 international development agenda.

The Annual Conferences of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network are a unique occasion to strengthen ties between member cities around the world. Organized by a different city each year, it serves as a platform to define the strategic objectives of an expanded and well-balanced Network.

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was created in 2004 and today, almost 350 cities from more than 100 countries share the objective of placing cultural and creative industries at the core of their development plans at the local level, from a network that facilitates exchange of experiences, knowledge and resources among its members to promote the development of local creative industries and international collaboration.

Every two years, UNESCO convenes this process to include in its Network of Creative Cities new incorporations with cases that deserve international recognition for how they develop their economic and cultural city models from one of the seven creative disciplines: crafts, design, cinema, gastronomy , literature, digital arts and music.

In Spain, there are 11 cities that belong to this Network, of which 4 are Valencian: Dénia (for Gastronomy), Llíria (for Music), Manises (for Crafts) and València (for Design).

Valencia as a City of Design in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network

Valencia was designated as a City of Design at the end of 2023 to establish relationships with other cities committed to elevating the role of culture, creativity and innovation to develop more sustainable cities, such as Helsinki, Berlin, Turin, Graz, Saint-Étienne , Budapest, Dubai, Seoul, Mexico, Puebla, Querétaro, Shanghai, Doha, Istanbul, Kaunas, Kobe or Montreal.
Being a UNESCO Creative City opens important opportunities for collaboration for Valencia and its creative and cultural industries, so that both the Valencian design sector and its network of action come into contact with other territories around the world.

València will thus continue its intense international positioning work in recent years in design and creativity, and will raise its global profile as a leader in design innovation, strengthening its broad ecosystem of Valencian design with other organizations and markets around the world.

València’s commitment through its participation in this meeting together with other cities in the Network that includes all continents will be to promote and share good practices that allow for more sustainable urban development by making effective and strategic use of design in the public politics.

More information about the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.