Philadelphia has caught the eye of America’s cool-hunters. The national media is reporting on our ever-burgeoning wealth of academic and cultural institutions, the dynamic work of professional practices, and the independent retailers and galleries that are cropping up throughout the city. We are emerging as a 21st century metropolis, pulsing with creative energy. To celebrate this surge, DesignPhiladelphia arose in 2004 to unite the businesses, academic institutions, and professional associations that are both driven by and contributing to this growth.

DesignPhiladelphia is an umbrella organization and cultural initiative administered by The Design Center at Philadelphia University. During a week-long celebration, approximately 60 participants – from the Philadelphia Museum of Art to Freeman’s Auction House; Kieran Timberlake Architects to Barnes & Noble Booksellers; Minima to The Rosenbach Museum – offer exhibitions, book signings, workshops, symposia, hardhat tours, and open studios, all related to creativity, innovation and design. The focus is on design with a capital “D” and showcases the disciplines of architecture, graphic design, product design, textiles, fashion, multimedia and urban design. Our mission is to enlighten the public about the breadth and depth of visionary work taking place behind closed doors, to promote student retention, and foster business growth.

Approximately 160,000 people attended these citywide events last year including residents of Metropolitan Philadelphia, as well as students, professionals and consumers working, studying and living within the Mid-Atlantic States. In addition, some 450,000 others came into contact with DesignPhiladelphia information through our Web site, event catalog, posters, bus shelters and magazine advertisements.

Now entering its fourth year, DesignPhiladelphia has made a significant contribution in telling the story of the rising creative vibrancy in Philadelphia. Take a look at the extensive participant list from last year, the programming, and the number of visitors attracted to these events. Clearly, we are making a case for the overall economic impact that innovative professions are having here. They are at the heart of this region's dramatic urban renewal.

DesignPhiladelphia 2008 is scheduled for October 16th – 22nd. Nearly every event is free and open to the public. Innovation Philadelphia is also sponsoring the event. A central challenge for this program has been adequate support for our marketing and promotional efforts. In order to help augment its success, we are turning to the business community for help. We welcome you to join us as a participant and as a sponsor. For more information, contact Executive Director Hilary Jay at 215-951-2863 or jayh@philau.edu.

We want to hear from you! Have you attended DesignPhiladelphia's events in the past? Plan to attend this year?