DesignPhiladelphia, the largest annual celebration of design in the world, now in its fourth year, took over Center City Philadelphia last week as part of National Design Week in a blur of some 93 programs, events and open studio shows between Oct. 16 and 22, concluding with Innovation Philadelphia’s Creative Entrepreneur Expo at the AIA Center for Architecture.
The expo turned the traditional job fair model on its head, with nearly two-dozen design entrepreneurs and freelancers showcasing their portfolios for businesses and potential clients to preview and, in some cases, contract services.
“We are really showcasing and celebrating the diversity of design talent we have in the Philadelphia region,” said Kelly Lee, Executive VP of Innovation Philadelphia, in remarks to the entire expo. “As DesignPhiladelphia has showcased, we have the best in the world, so there’s no reason to go outside Philadelphia if you are in need of design talent.”
Hilary Jay, co-founder of DesignPhiladelphia, also addressed the expo, saying the sheer volume of creative talent in the city makes it difficult to recognize what’s happening on a regular basis.
“As DesignPhiladelphia develops and evolves, it creates new networks, stimulates growth in the creative sector, increases opportunities for the trade, and enhances the reputation of Philadelphia as a place for creative excellence and innovation,” said Jay. “Together, we’re making the case for an overall economic impact that innovative professions are having here in Philadelphia.”
Source: DesignPhiladelphia, Innovation Philadelphia
Writer: John Davidson
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