After a years-long hiatus, Vancouver Design Week (2014-2019) has been flipped on its head, and is ready to return better than before, as the Design Vancouver Festival, now through September 29.

The theme of this year’s first official Design Vancouver Festival is ‘Connection’, which is apt, since its comeback is thanks to Open Format Arts & Culture Studio (also responsible for the popular PechaKucha live talk series), whose mission is to “to bridge the gaps in urban life by offering presenters a platform to share real-world stories and experiences, inspiring audiences and enhancing community wellbeing.”

Under the direction of Becki Chan from Open Format Studio, the Design Vancouver Festival will feature a citywide takeover. The schedule includes exhibitions, talks, building tours, open studios, a book launch, and workshops. This is not only an incredible opportunity for local designers representing the spectrum of disciplines – from architects and furniture makers to graphic designers and multidisciplinary artists – to meet, make connections and shake things up (the results of which, we hope, will inspire a more vibrant city on the day-to-day level, as well as future DVF events), it’s also a chance for the public to get a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Vancouver’s design scene and offer your support for the creative community.

From the VDF: “More than a mere celebration, the festival is committed to enhancing public understanding and appreciation of design, underlining its crucial role in nurturing a supportive and collaborative design environment. As the festival unfolds, it continues to cultivate and highlight the flourishing creative spirit of Vancouver.”

The best news: a large percentage of Design Vancouver events are free or PWYC, and ticketed events are thoughtfully priced making it accessible for everyone. Our city’s design-scape affects all of its residents, after all – and the more support its creative folks get, the better! It’s also bound to be a heckuva lot of fun…

PS: Scout is combining forces with The Garden Strathcona and Boulevard restaurant’s Pastry Chef, Kenta Takahashi to host an event! Check out The Architecture of Dessert here.

Festival highlights