Int’l designers, visual artists, educationists, filmmakers, others, converge on Lagos for 2021 DWL

[By VICTOR NZE]

Top visual artists, filmmakers, experts in interior, architecture, industrial, furniture and graphics design, as well as, writers, technology gurus and educationists, will storm various parts of the city for the 2021 edition of the annual Design Week Lagos (DWL).

Design Week Lagos (DWL) is the leading design week on the African continent, conceived to present and celebrate the best in contemporary African design across categories while bringing international field leaders and visitors to experience the most exciting work from the region.  

Founded by African design advocate, Titi Ogufere, DWL was first established in 2019 as a citywide celebration held in Lagos, over ten days, promoting creativity, innovation across disciplines, including architecture, industrial design, interior design, furniture design, graphics design, and technology. 

DWL is a growing annual celebration and convening, with core programmes including a central exhibition showcasing new work from across the continent, an awards programme, and a series of talks and lectures.

In addition to presenting new product design, DWL’s programme highlights and explores new pathways in manufacturing methods, illuminating ingenuity and information sharing so that a growing community of contemporary designers can better tap into a rich history of craftsmanship and unique material knowledge across the continent. 

At a media briefing heralding this year’s event which held, Thursday, October 14, at the Maison Farenheit, in Victoria Island Lagos, Founder, Titi Ogufere, said the festival is committed to building a culture of innovation in Lagos and promoting the city as an international hub for design.

DWL is the creation of Titi Ogufere and the Essential Media Group and is supported by the Lagos State Government.

The press briefing drew representatives of major organisations like MTN, Interstyle Ceramics, AD Consulting, International Federation of Interior Architects and Design, IDAN, as well as, Bang & Olufsen.

According to Ogufere, this year’s edition will hold at various venues across Lagos from October 21 to 31.

The theme for the 2021 design week is, ‘Design Revolution,’ which according to Ogufere, is informed by the limitations of the Covid-19 global health pandemic, adding that activities lined up for the event ‘will be tight and targeted, with more robust digital components.’

Highlights of this year’s edition include: The Design Kulture Exhibition, holding from October 21 to 23.

“This exhibition is an annual showcase for sourcing furniture and design objects in Africa at White Space, an exhibition space run by A Whitespace Creative Agency. 

“The exhibition is a meeting point for decision-makers in the design and manufacturing industry, and a bridge between manufacturers and design practitioners within the region, as well as international buyers, design enthusiasts, and collaborators. 

“This year’s exhibitors are; Studio Lani, Nifemi Bello, Tosin Oshinowo, Olu Amoda, Damola Rufai, Tunde Owolabi, Aga Concept, Tekura, Osaru Alile, Titilailai, Demas Nwoko, Ozioma Onuzulike, Diseye Tantua, Belevence, and Mowarin Christian. 

“There will also be special projects on view from Maki Oh and Adebayo Oke Lawal,” said Ogufere.

Also this year’s edition will feature the DWL 2021 Prize.

“Each year, the DWL Student Competition takes place. Designers are asked to come up with solutions, to meet various needs of the people, the economy, and nations at large. With that comes a lot of focus to problem-solving design regarding urban intervention and innovation.

“Our aim is to broaden the minds of individuals as well as challenge designers’ understanding of the term ‘design’ and the crucial role it plays in every aspect of our daily lives. We urge designers to consider and foresee the future needs of society that is influenced by the rapid growth in population, availability of materials, development of culture and environmental change,” she said.

Similarly, DWL 2021 is expected to feature the official launch of the ‘Made by Design Docuseries’ for Netflix Worldwide.

“Made by Design’ is an original documentary series highlighting architects, interior and product designers in Africa. The first season focuses on a group of creative luminaries across categories living and working in Nigeria.

The series was created and directed by Design Week Lagos Founder, Ogufere and co-produced by Emmy award winning filmmaker, Abiola Matesun.

Season One profiles 13 top Nigerian creative talents of today, giving an insight into their lives, work, and inspirations.

‘Made by Design’ is anticipated to debut on Netflix globally in Fall 2021, exact release date to be confirmed. 

In the same vein, the IFI African Regional Roundtable will also feature in collaboration with Design Week Lagos.

“The International Federation of Interior Architects / Designers (IFI) will host the IFI African Regional Roundtable on October 21, 2021.

“The interactive virtual event will allow the diverse design community in Africa to discuss the IFI Education Policy. The roundtable will bring together over 5,000 African designers, including practitioners, academic institutions, educators, professional associations, policy makers, governments and students.

“Additionally, the Interior Design Professional Guide for Africa and the Middle East will be launched as part of the African Regional Roundtable.”

The book, authored by Ogufere, is an essential resource and guide to managing and sourcing for interiors projects in the region, with practical guidance, a directory of vendors, and advice from 25 leading interior designers in Africa and the Middle East on how to run an interior project successfully and profitably from start to finish.