Seven Italian Design Weeks launch #IDW network for international visibility
On March 31, 2021, seven Italian design weeks came together under the #IDW network to enhance creativity and craftsmanship. The participating cities are Udine, Varese, Venice, Florence, Ancona, Basilicata, and I Design Palermo. This initiative, which began in late 2019 and strengthened during the 2020 lockdown, includes a dedicated website, an Instagram presence, and a 2021 events calendar. Led by Patrizia Scarzella, the project seeks to challenge Milan's dominance in design and encourage global exchanges. During Udine Design Week, a digital conference highlighted the role of schools and businesses in driving innovation. Each design week showcases distinct traits, leveraging local resources, artisan skills, and cultural tourism to draw visitors to lesser-known areas.
Key facts
- #IDW network launched March 31, 2021
- Seven Italian design weeks united: Udine, Varese, Venice, Florence, Ancona, Basilicata, Palermo
- Network originally formed in late 2019, consolidated during 2020 lockdown
- Digital conference hosted within Udine Design Week
- Patrizia Scarzella moderated the meeting
- Anna Aurora Lombardi and Davide Boeri spoke at the conference
- Aims to promote territorial design beyond Milan and boost cultural tourism
- Each design week has unique focus: Palermo (local resources), Basilicata (craftsmanship), Ancona (industrial design), Florence (international networks), Venice (contests), Varese (diffuse exhibitions), Udine (open-air museum)
Entities
Artists
- Patrizia Scarzella
- Daniela Brignone
- Palmarosa Fuccella
- Pierlorenzi Giordano
- Alessandro Pumpo
- Lisa Balasso
- Nicoletta Romano
- Anna Aurora Lombardi
- Davide Boeri
- Gillo Dorfles
Institutions
- #IDW Italian Design Weeks
- Udine Design Week
- Varese Design Week
- Venice Design Week
- Florence Design Week
- Ancona Design Week
- Basilicata Design Week
- I Design Palermo
- Confindustria
- World Design Week Network
- SIDA Shenzen Industrial Design Profession Association
- London Design Festival
- Moscow Design Week
- Arte e Design Venezia
- MuDeFri (Museo del Design del Friuli Venezia Giulia)
- Poliarte Accademia di Belle Arti e Design
- Artribune
Locations
- Udine
- Varese
- Venice
- Florence
- Ancona
- Basilicata
- Palermo
- Milan
- Italy
- Matera
- Castelfidardo
- Fabriano
- Pesaro
- Acqualagna
- Lima
- Paris
- Moscow
- Graz