While September brings to mind the chill autumn breeze that marks summer’s end, it’s also the beginning of culture season. From exhibitions and biennales to week-long happenings around the world, it’s the season to go out and get inspired. For this September edition, we’ve rounded up the best events according to each country. Check them out.
One of the most interesting events, London Design Biennale, is returning for a second edition. Participants from more than 40 countries, cities and territories are invited to explore the theme “Emotional States” across disciplines, mediums and materials.
When and where: Sept 4-23 2018, Somerset House, London
Not to be confused with the London Design Biennale, this event holds its own unique reputation. Dating back to 2003, this nine day celebration of London’s creativity happens throughout the city. Design Destinations are five large-scale trade shows, Design Districts are a cluster of events happening within walking distance of each other and there will be many more activities throughout the festival.
When and where: Sept 15-23 2018, various locations, London
One of the most anticipated events of the season is the V&A’s large-scale exhibition that invites viewers to look behind-the-scenes of what has grown to be the most profitable entertainment business: video games. Combining both indie titles and blockbusters, the show will focus on games designed starting from the 2000’s up to the present day.
When and where: Opening Sept 8, 2018, Victoria and Albert Museum, London
France: Paris Design Week / MAISON&OBJET
It’s no secret that Paris’ design scene is rich with style and interest. So when an event like the Paris Design Week gets studios around the city to open their doors to the public, you have to take a look inside. Traditionally, design weeks are paired with large trade shows to answer the market needs – which is especially true in this case, as the Paris Design Week was established to mirror the development of the MAISON&OBJET PROJETS show. Throughout the week, design exhibitions will be hosted around the city center with junior designers and professionals alike.
When and where: Sept 6-15, 2018, Paris
Finland: Helsinki Design Week
Though competing with power-player countries from left and right, this nordic event has established itself as something not to be missed, and has a consistent rise of visitors each year, with much anticipated installations. For this edition, exhibitions and trade shows will be followed by fashion-related events, workshops and satellite activities. Props to their wonderfully designed website too.
When and where: Sept 6-16, 2018, Helsinki
Turkey: Istanbul Design Biennial
The fourth edition of the biennale is curated by Jan Boelen, the Belgian design critic and head of the Social Design Masters Program at the Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands. With a strong emphasis on design education, Boelen chose to involve the city’s leading cultural institutions by turning them into “pop-up schools” in various locations around the city and creating a space to host critical discussions about design and design education today.
When and where: Sept 22-Nov 4, 2018, Istanbul
Austria: Vienna Design Week
As one of the events that put Austria’s capital on the design map, this culturally ambitious event has a local flare to it that attracts international professionals and enthusiasts from around the world. The event explores different aspects of Viennese design and its communication with the international arena.
When and where: Sept 28-Oct 7, 2018, Vienna
Belgium: Brussels Design September
The event kicks off the Brussels’ month-long focus on design, with workshops and exhibition pop-ups throughout the city. Special mention: the Brussels Design Market is actually the biggest flea market for late 20th century design, with dozens of dealers coming together in a station dated back to the 1900’s .
When and where: Sept 6-30, 2018, Brussels
Based on the idea of cultural and professional exchange between Denmark and China, this year’s event will host Danish designers and studios in Beijing. In an effort to expose Chinese designers to the Danish design approach, the week-long event will be hosted in industrial warehouses and cultural institutions around the city’s renowned 798 art district. Presentations will include Danish concepts, workshops and design solutions relevant for the Chinese market.
When and where: Sept 26-Oct 5, 2018, 751; Danish Cultural Center; Qinglong Hutong; Beijing
China: Furniture China
On the other side of China, one of the largest international furniture expos will happen in Shanghai, bringing both contemporary and traditional designs.
When and where: Sept 11-14, 2018, Shanghai
