Exciting Developments Announced for NYCxDESIGN in 2019, SANDOW to Take Over Operations in 2020
NYCxDESIGN 2019 may be four months away, but there’s already big buzz about what’s in store at one of the world’s most dynamic and celebrated design weeks. Representatives from the NYCxDESIGN steering committee, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), and SANDOW Media held a press conference this morning at the New School’s Tishman Auditorium to announce more than a dozen new programs, design districts, and exhibitions planned for the citywide event, which launched in 2013 and will be held this year from May 10-22. They also revealed a major new development for NYCxDESIGN 2020.
This upcoming change centers on the selection of SANDOW, Interior Design’s parent company—and a global leader in design content, tools, and services—to assume operational responsibilities for NYCxDESIGN. The NYCEDC chose SANDOW from among a number of competitive proposals to helm the festival next year and beyond, with the intention of expanding its programming, its audience, and its global reach. SANDOW’s selection, according to NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett, reflected the media company’s strong portfolio of design-forward brands and innovative content.
“We are very proud of the remarkable success NYCxDESIGN has had in just seven short years,” said Patchett. “NYCEDC is thrilled to be partnering with SANDOW to further elevate NYCxDESIGN, and we look forward to seeing their vision brought to life in 2020 and beyond.”
In his remarks, Adam Sandow, SANDOW’s Chairman and CEO, gave a hint of what’s in store for NYCxDESIGN’s future. “Our goal is nothing short of creating the most engaging, expansive, and inclusive design platform in the world,” said Sandow. “We look forward to working collaboratively with businesses, organizations, and institutions across the city to accomplish great success and continue to make New York the center of design.”
NYCxDESIGN’s success—which includes contributing $109 million to the gross city product and attracting more than 336,000 domestic and international attendees in 2018—is a result of the hundreds of official and unofficial design-related events that showcase the city’s dedication to innovation and aesthetic excellence. That tradition continues in 2019 with several exciting new additions among more than 400 festival events across all five boroughs. This year attendees can look forward to dining at the Diner by David Rockwell and Surface with 2×4, attending a workshop that explores New York’s metropolitan fabric through the five senses, getting to know new design districts in Downtown Manhattan and on Madison Avenue, and experiencing retail venues from 1stdibs and the Brooklyn Navy Yard, as well as a WallpaperSTORE* NYCxDESIGN-exclusive pop-up.
Interior Design will again host the annual NYCxDesign Awards, as it has since 2016, honoring the best projects and products homegrown by New York City’s 53,000 resident designers, more than 8,000 design firms, and 800-plus museums and galleries. “In seven short years NYCxDESIGN has gone from the new kid on the design week block to a big daddy of design excellence and innovation, becoming a worldwide hit,” said Cindy Allen, editor in chief of Interior Design. “We are beyond excited to propel the design community and our beloved city into the future through NYCxDESIGN. Bravo!”
