Open Design Italia starts out in 2010 as a market-exhibition on self-production; it selects products that have a high narrative value, that convey the know-how and that favor a short supply chain, illustrating the collaborative work between the designer and local enterprise and craftsmen.
Open Design Italia 2016 changes format to become an incubator of international talents. It offers a cluster of services and opportunities for business development, product development and marketing to designers, makers, artists, craftsmen and small series companies. Through B2B meetings and workshops the participants get in touch with sectorial companies, buyers and distributors.
Thanks to its international partnerships, Open Design Italia gives a chance to get closer to events abroad. Since 2010, important international partnerships have been launched with DMY Berlin, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Italy, and the MUSE (Science Museum) in Trento, Italy, as well as twinning with the Italian Embassy in Berlin and with the Biennale Internationale Design Saint Étienne.
After the event, all participants of Open Design Italia are admitted –together with all participants from previous editions- to the Open Design Italia circle, which offers them opportunities to display their works and to attend meetings and professional training during the whole year.
Why apply?
To be part of Open Design Italia 2016 you must send your application form (see the Calls for Application) and attend one of the three selection events in Milan, Rome and Naples.
The new selection process is built around the designers, who can present their products and their idea of enterprise to a committee of professionals already at the early stages of the process. By doing this, the candidates will gain useful insights to improve their business. The designers selected during the three casting events will access the three-day event at the Palladian Basilica in Vicenza. Here, during the three days of the event, they will be able to exhibit and sell their works, get in touch with other professionals, meet buyers and companies, and compete for the final prizes, which will be awarded by an international jury.