Sri Lanka Design Festival 2024: Shaping creativity, innovation and connection
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Spotlight on creativity: Anoma Wijewardene
The Sri Lanka Design Festival (SLDF) 2024 which takes place from November 7-10 marks a significant milestone -15 years of driving innovation, creativity and collaboration. Presented by AOD (Academy of Design), this year’s theme, ‘Innovation Island,’ reflects a deeper undersstanding of the power of creative industries to influence economic recovery and social progress.
This year, SLDF is hosted at the newly opened Cinnamon Life City of Dreams Sri Lanka that represents the convergence of lifestyle, business, and culture. Cinnamon Life’s dynamic space will house exhibitions, panel discussions, and interactive installations.
As Sri Lanka positions itself as a hub for South Asia’s creative industries, the festival will delve into how creative practices influence business, tourism, and culture. More importantly, it speaks to how every Sri Lankan—whether a business owner, a student, or a curious onlooker—has a role in fostering this creative resurgence.
With an inspiring blend of exhibitions, discussions and interactive experiences, SLDF 2024 invites the public to explore the transformative power of design. It is a space where ideas are born, connections are made, and the future is shaped—an unmissable event for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, commerce, and culture.
Public programme
Over 30 key speakers and creatives will explore a range of topics at SLDF’s public programme. In addition to Anoma Wijewardene’s conversation on Art, Memory, and Unity, Voices of Renewal with Gratiaen Award winner Ramya Jirasinghe, activist Rosanna Flamer Caldera and Anoma moderated by historian Radhika Hettiarachchi is a discussion on how art and women’s movements drive social and environmental progress.
Spotlight on fashion: The Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka
For architecture enthusiasts, Channa Daswatte and Palinda Kannangara will speak on Sri Lanka’s prospects in using design as an export. Another must-attend event is where James Balmond shares a closer look into the unique approach of Balmond Studio in designing Cinnamon Life.
Two insightful sessions by typographer Pathum Egodawatta will introduce participants to the art of traditional Sri Lankan calligraphy and modern typography. ‘Shaping Society Through Design’, will feature from ‘Shine 50’ by Echelon magazine Aadhitya Jayaseelan, Dinara Punchihewa and Deanna Jayasundera, in a discussion moderated by Safra Anver.
In another session, trend forecasting agency, The Future Laboratory founders Chris Sanderson and Martin Raymond will give insights into emerging consumer behaviours and market opportunities.
Fashion
SLDF 2024 shines a spotlight on the fashion industry with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Sri Lanka. As the centrepiece of the festival’s fashion showcase, this event highlights the intersection between high fashion and sustainable manufacturing.
Sri Lanka’s fashion exports play a vital role in the country’s economy, and the festival brings this to the forefront by showcasing how local designers collaborate with large-scale manufacturers to produce globally competitive collections.
Design
One of the most exciting aspects of SLDF 2024 is its focus on the ‘Designed and Made in Sri Lanka’ movement, which connects traditional craftspeople with young, innovative designers, celebrating the rich heritage of Sri Lankan craftsmanship while fostering the next generation of creative talent. It’s a perfect example of how grassroots industries can align with global trends in design and sustainability.
Exhibitions and showcases at SLDF will highlight everything from handmade textiles to contemporary furniture, proving that Sri Lanka’s creative industries are diverse and capable of influencing global design markets. The festival encourages collaboration between rural artisans and urban designers and for the public, this is an opportunity to see how creativity manifests at all levels of society—from small-scale village industries to high-tech design studios.
Engage with SLDF 2024
Sri Lanka Design Festival 2024 is not just for artists, designers, or business leaders—it’s a festival for everyone. Whether you are a student, business owner seeking collaboration, or a curious individual wanting to explore something new, SLDF’s emphasis on sustainability, social change, and economic growth resonates with the global challenges we face today, making it a relevant and inspiring event for all.
Registration is now open, and the full programme is available online. For more information and to register, visit www.srilankadesignfestival.lk or contact sldf@aod.lk
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