ArtCenter Hosts Los Angeles Design Festival with Focus on Futuristic Innovation

ArtCenter College of Design is set to be a key venue for the Los Angeles Design Festival this week, bringing together creatives, makers, and communities to explore the transformative power of design. The free, four-day event will take place from Thursday to Sunday, featuring a compelling lineup of talks, workshops, exhibitions, and networking opportunities.

The 2025 festival theme, Design Futurism, invites participants to imagine bold, purpose-driven futures where design serves as a catalyst for connection, innovation, and human potential. Hosted at ArtCenter’s South Campus, the event will showcase diverse programming that highlights design’s critical role in shaping tomorrow’s world.

Highlights include a range of compelling talks and discussions. Brydon Gerus will explore “It’s a Brand New World: How Brand Has Shaped and Will Continue to Shape Everything in the Age of AI” on Thursday. Brittany Moffett’s keynote on “Systems Thinking for Community Care” will follow, offering insights into design’s social impact.

The festival kicks off with an Adobe Create Now opening night party on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mullin Transportation Design Center. Attendees can look forward to additional thought-provoking sessions, including Charlie Ngov’s talk on “How to Create a Passionate Future” and a panel discussion on “Design Imaginaries” featuring ArtCenter faculty.

Design enthusiasts can also participate in the Los Angeles Design Festival’s Hackathon, running throughout the event. A special highlight includes conversations with ArtCenter Trustee Kevin Bethune at Row DTLA, including “Practicing Futures Without Permission” and “Nonlinear: Navigating Design with Curiosity & Conviction.”

The campus will additionally feature a wide range of exhibitions and student showcases, including a sneak peek at the upcoming exhibition “Primarium: A Case for Cursive” at the HMCT Gallery.

All events are open to the public and require RSVP. For the full Los Angeles Design Festival schedule, visit the festival website.