It actually happened! DesignMarch 2020 took place from 24th – 28th of June!
The theme of this year’s festival was New World – New Ways. Little did festival organizers know what challenges they would face.
“In the beginning of March, when it became apparent that the festival would have to be postponed, we called everyone involved to get their feedback. We believe that the conversations we had about how we could proceed collectively, and bring light and positivity during these challenging times, enabled all of us to work together and organize a more local, yet very successful festival. Even though Iceland has been successful in tackling the challenges associated with Covid-19, we had to adapt to a new format,” Þórey Einarsdottir, festival director.
To do so, festival organizers decided to put additional emphasis on creating digital content and documenting the festival. The team experimented with a new concept called STUDIO 2020, a platform for varied forms of interviews,
giving insights into the Icelandic design scene and current local conversations.
Festival events were spread all over the greater Reykjavik capital area, and large events, such as DesignTalks, opening and closing ceremonies, and
Design Diplomacy, were postponed until 2021. At the same time, there was a more local focus and it was inspiring to see how many local people
attended DesignMarch in June.
Despite the unusual circumstances, there was no lack of creativity. A common thread throughout the festival was emphasis on sustainability, and the reuse and repurposing of materials.
Björn Steinar Blumenstein created a limited edition Covid-19 sanitizer made from 250 kg of leftover fruit from local food importers, highlighting the material’s potential use-value. The sanitizer was offered to guests at all DesignMarch venues.
“This year, we surely missed our big events, as well as our international guests. We are excited to bring back DesignTalks and our big official events next year and look forward to welcoming international guests to DesignMarch 2021” Þórey Einarsdóttir, festival director
Click here to read all news and photos from DesignMarch 2020
Click here to view the DesignMarch in June Thank you video.
Make sure to follow @designmarch for insights on Iceland creatives and local designers and their take on New World, New Ways during times where creative thinking is ever so important!
DesignMarch, Iceland´s largest design festival
DesignMarch brings together participants and guests with progressive design and innovation. The festival heralds new and surprising approaches and is a vibrant platform for ideas, diverse perspectives and knowledge driving force that enriches and enhances society.
DesignMarch gives inspiration and enjoyment with the aim to share the exhibitions, participants and their content to a broader audience, both in Iceland and abroad, in collaboration with other stakeholders, such as Promote Iceland.
DesignMarch is a harbinger of optimism and creativity. The festival takes the opportunity to focus on design as a driving force for innovation, and demonstrate the important role of design, architecture and innovation in society, especially during this time of uncertainty the world is facing now.
We encourage you to follow the festival online where we will be sharing designs, talks and exhibitions to give you a glimpse of the Icelandic design scene!
If you have any questions or seek more material please feel free to contact the team here and we will assist you in any way.
Let´s be creative and celebrate the importance of design in this new reality the world is facing!
See you at DesignMarch 2021
