Eastern Market After Dark, a solar-powered sound sculpture performance, and a panel discussion exploring the lasting impact of art and design on our communities are three of the 70+ exhibitions, installations, lectures, workshops, tours and more happening throughout Detroit and online from September 1 through 30.
Returning for the 12th year, Detroit Month of Design offers an array of virtual, outdoor, and indoor events to celebrate and highlight the creativity and work of Detroit designers.
Every September, Detroit-area artists and designers, community leaders, and students come together at the festival to show off their work and ideas that makes Detroit a UNESCO City of Design.
This year’s theme is unity, focusing on the products, services, and systems helping communities become more resilient and united.
What to Know about Detroit Month of Design
You’ll find a wide range of festival events happening every day throughout September.
From reviewing over a dozen Detroit Month of Design events on Eventbrite, events are free, but require preregistration.
Festival events are produced by a mix of organizations, including:
- Design Core
- Festival sponsors
- Independently-produced
Note: several month-long exhibitions and installations have receptions as well as specific viewing hours.
Some events have music and refreshments.
While there are many late evening events, the festival is intended for everyone.
Peruse the event calendar to discover youth-focused events, like the The Art of Customization: Beaded Mantra Bracelets and The Art of Customization: DIY Sneaker Charms.
You’ll want to register early; several late-September events have registration deadlines the first week of September.
A few other events that stood out for me:
- Kickoff party on September 1, 2022 at Spot Lite Detroit with music, live performances, live art, and food trucks
- Adaptive Product for Outdoor Recreation Design Jam on September 8-9, 2022 for makers, limb loss community members, innovators, designers, students, academic and manufacturing partners, recreational athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts to prototype new adaptive active apparel, accessories, and equipment for people in the limb loss community. Note: virtual and in-person event
- American Institute of Architects Detroit Celebration of Architecture on September 15
What I was glad to discover in the festival FAQ’s: Detroit Month of Design’s focus on inclusiveness and COVID protocols.
You’ll find time-ticketed entry for in-person indoor events, live transcripts for virtual events, and socially distant workshops.
In addition, there are no-touch installations, mask requirements, and social distancing.
Wrapping Up
The Detroit Month of Design festival in September 2022 shines a light on the incredible designs and works by Detroit-area artists, designers, and organizations focused on uniting communities.
Come join the celebration and meet the talented and creative people and organizations moving Detroit forward.
I’m attending several events, I hope you’ll join me!
