Background

The London Design Festival was first held in 2003. Its overall aim is to: ‘Celebrate and promote London as the creative capital of the world, and as the gateway to the UK’s world-class creative community’.

The Festival has grown quickly. It’s been staged five times and is now recognised as a key part of London’s creative calendar and as an important event on the global design agenda. The ten-day Festival programme is made up of over 200 events and exhibitions staged by 160 contributing – or partner - organisations across the city.

The Festival acts as a platform brand, working with and encouraging participation from individuals and organisation across the design spectrum and around the world. The diversity of world-class design talent in, and attracted to London is one of the key strengths of the city over other global design centres. The London Design Festival brings this talent to the fore every year to explore issues, do business, exchange ideas, explore and have fun.

The Festival is both a cultural and a commercial event. Projects staged as part of the Festival range from major international exhibitions to trade events to local showcases, installations to talks and seminars, product launches to receptions, private views and parties. The majority of events are free of charge, enabling visitors to participate, listen, learn, commission and make purchases.

The Festival is funded through a combination of public and private sources. The London Development Agency provides on-going public sector support, providing around 40% of total income. The Festival also works with a range of sponsors and strategic partners to deliver the programme and services outlined below.