In 2020, Nairobi Design Week embraced the theme ‘Design Is for Everyone!’ to highlight the pervasive influence of design in our daily lives and the creative problem-solving abilities inherent in every individual. The event, which ran from March 8th to March 14th, featured a diverse array of activities, including an all-female launch on International Women’s Day, a week-long exhibition, community design projects, workshops, movie nights, and more.
One of the standout initiatives was ‘Paint the Court,’ a live interactive collaboration with the community. This project combined basketball court restoration, mural painting, a jam session, choreography, design thinking workshops, a music video shoot, and the #LabelledHuman campaign. It served as a case study on how design can unite diverse communities to create real impact, solve shared challenges, and transform public spaces and cultural events sustainably.
The ‘LabelledHuman’ song and music video, created during Nairobi Design Week 2020, encouraged individuals to share the labels they’ve been given, fostering understanding and empathy among participants. The event kicked off with an all-female launch on International Women’s Day, featuring speakers like Anastasia Njeri, Leah Otieno, Rosemary Wangari, Wairimu of Y’Rimu Collection, and Wanjiku Murigi of HISI Studio, with a performance by Bakhita and MC Judith Musangi.
The exhibition also showcased inclusive design projects, including the Blind Photography Project by Brian Otieno and adaptive clothing for the visually impaired by Wanjiku Murigi of Studio HISI. Additionally, the Urban Residency program with Kenya Lighting Industries saw three finalists refining their designs and learning about industrial manufacturing methods, resulting in the production of urban seats, lights, and basketball hoops launched at the event.
Highlights:
- ‘Paint the Court’ – A live interactive collaboration involving basketball court restoration, mural painting, a jam session, choreography, design thinking workshops, a music video shoot, and the #LabelledHuman campaign.
- All-female launch on International Women’s Day, featuring speakers like Anastasia Njeri, Leah Otieno, Rosemary Wangari, Wairimu of Y’Rimu Collection, and Wanjiku Murigi of HISI Studio, with a performance by Bakhita and MC Judith Musangi.
- Inclusive design showcases, including the Blind Photography Project by Brian Otieno and adaptive clothing for the visually impaired by Wanjiku Murigi of Studio HISI.
- The Urban Residency program with Kenya Lighting Industries, where three finalists refined their designs and learned about industrial manufacturing methods, resulting in the production of urban seats, lights, and basketball hoops launched at the event.
- Workshops such as ‘Design Thinking for Storytellers’ by ASMO, ‘Design Thinking for Skaters’ by NDW in collaboration with the Kenyan Skateboarding Society, and wood-cut printing on t-shirts by Esther Kute and Iona McCreath.
- Exhibits by female artists curated by Wairimu Mwangi, Afrorenaissance artworks and murals, artworks made with old credit cards and SIM cards, Kenyan-made comics and art, carpets made by artisans in Dandora, and more.
- Movies shown during the event, including ‘Dream Child’ and ‘The New Bauhaus’.
Workshops during the week included ‘Design Thinking for Storytellers’ by ASMO, ‘Design Thinking for Skaters’ by NDW in collaboration with the Kenyan Skateboarding Society, and wood-cut printing on t-shirts by Esther Kute and Iona McCreath. The event also featured exhibits by female artists curated by Wairimu Mwangi, Afrorenaissance artworks and murals, artworks made with old credit cards and SIM cards, Kenyan-made comics and art, carpets made by artisans in Dandora, and more.
Nairobi Design Week 2020 showcased the transformative power of design in bringing communities together, promoting inclusivity, and inspiring creativity and innovation. It demonstrated that design is not just about aesthetics but also about creating meaningful experiences and positive social impact for everyone.