Design Week RI!
“In Rhode Island, design is an underlying part of who we are, but to really expose that we have so much amazing design … that's happening now” thanks to DESIGNxRI.
This past week on Business Over Breakfast we were joined by Devin Samuels, the program and events associate for DESIGNxRI. Devin is a poet educator and he has a strong investment in the Rhode Island and New England communities. For years he has been cultivating youth spaces throughout New England and is now
“trying to help the creative economy and create jobs for these young people when they get older” - Devin shared.
DESIGNxRI flagship offer is Design Week RI which was from September 24th - October 1st this year. Design Week RI includes a number of events, talks, and workshops virtual and in-person, and is all free to the public. The mission of Design Week is to bring together innovative minds and creative talents through discussions and celebrations.
Devin shared that one of the events was a DWRI letterpress workshop where people were brought to a printing press space and were taught how to make screen prints and how to use the machinery! Another interesting part about Design Week is that they collaborated with Nashville Design Week which allowed them to have a round table discussion that involves inter-regionality.
“One of the beautiful things that has come out of this digital boom since the pandemic is that a lot of the design weeks of different spaces have been talking to each other more” Devin shared.
In addition to the events and discussion, Design Week includes the Rhode Island Design Hall of Fame award ceremony. They honor the “Life-Time Achievement” category which celebrates those who have 30+ years of experience in the field and have been influential to design locally, nationally, and internationally. They also celebrate the “Emerging Design” category which recognizes those who have been in design less than 15 years that are making a name for themselves and have the potential to make an impact.
If you are interested in collaborating with DESIGNxRI, reach out to Devin Samuels by finding him on their newly launched website or through social media (Facebook and Instagram) @designxri.
“I really just want a community to be built and I want folks to support each other. I think it's the most beautiful thing. It’s what I have built my life trying to cultivate”
Watch the full episode with Devin above to learn more about DESIGNxRI!
Each week on Business Over Breakfast, marketing experts Lori and Ben are joined by Rhode Island entrepreneurs who are living their dream of owning and running a business. If you’re a Rhode Island business owner and want to share your story please contact danielle@visualthrive.com and visit ShopLocalRhodeIsland to learn about other small businesses.
