Canada

In the world of design, most of our attention is given to the objects and spaces we create. But behind every great space, there is a team of people who have been working for months, if not years, to make it possible. How these teams work together, and under what conditions work is getting done, has been an area of increased focus over the past years. Particularly in the field of architecture—where many of the common pitfalls of creative disciplines also intersect with regulatory requirements and exceptions to Ontario’s Employment Standards Act—there is an understanding that we must do better.

Through intergenerational storytelling with more than 200 community members, we invite you to explore how shared memory, imagination, and co-design can build community power. "Cold" memories anchor Chinatown in its legacy of anti-displacement organizing and mutual aid traditions. "Hot" memories celebrate Chinatown as an everyday, dynamic, and active space. Together, these memories honour Chinatown's past while reminding us that Chinatown's story is still being written every day.

Join DesignTO for 'DesignTO Talks:Net Positive’, a half-day event that brings together ten multidisciplinary experts to explore innovative responses to the climate crisis from a perspective of abundance. Speakers include Aaron Budd, April Barrett, Deepikah RB, Fran Erazo, Judith Wehmeyer van den Boom, Netami Stuart, and the Living Room Collective.

Attention art and design lovers! The DesignTO Festival returns January 24-February 2, 2025, celebrating its 15th birthday! Join us in-person at venues across Toronto for 10 days of incredible exhibitions, installations, and events.
Known as Canada’s largest annual design festival, DesignTO transforms Toronto into a creative hub, featuring over 100 free exhibitions and events. Over the past 15 years, the Festival has welcomed over 1 million attendees, showcased 6,500+ creatives, reached 2.6 billion people through media, and generated $120 million in tourism impact. Explore bold and ambitious ideas that respond to the climate crisis, social justice, technology, and more.
“DesignTO isn’t just a festival; it’s an anti-loneliness machine,” said co-founder Christina Zeidler. It’s a place where creativity brings people together to shape a better, more sustainable, just, and joyful future.
Visit the DesignTO website to view the whole Festival Schedule, and start planning your Festival activities today!
DesignTO acknowledges funding support for the 2025 DesignTO Festival from the Government of Ontario, City of Toronto, and the Ontario Arts Council.
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