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PRESS RELEASE

Eindhoven, 22 October, 2016

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Official launch World Design Weeks Network

Following two years of preparation, the World Design Weeks Network (WDWN) will be officially launched during Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven. In a special meeting, the nine promoters will sign the incorporation documents, detailing the programme and communication for the coming three years.

Safeguarding quality More than 100 design weeks are held each year around the world. Through the World Design Weeks Network

(WDWN), organisers who are behind these events want to intensify their cooperation to safeguard quality and

content. Important objectives are the strengthening of the creative economy in general, and the support of young

and new talent in particular.

Thirty-five partnersDutch Design Foundation (the organisation behind Dutch Design Week) is one of the founding partners. The

foundation forms the board for WDWN together with the Barcelona, Beijing, Helsinki, Mexico, San Francisco,

Seoul, Tokyo and Toronto design weeks. The head office is located in Helsinki (Finland). Thirty-five parties from

around the world have already registered for membership.

Three-year programmeFollowing meetings in Milan (April 2015, 2016) and Tokyo (November 2014, 2015) the official launch of WDWN

will take place during the 15th edition of Dutch Design Week. At a special meeting on Saturday 22 October hosted

at Piet Hein Eek the nine promoters will sign the incorporation documents, detailing the programme and the

communication for the coming three years.

DDWToday will see the start of the 15th edition of Dutch Design Week (DDW) in Eindhoven. For nine whole days, 2500

national and international designers show their latest work and the best of what design has to offer. With the

theme ‘The making of’, this year’s event is an ode to the makers and the making process. By special request from

the participants, this anniversary year will focus extra attention on expanding networks. For tickets, the

programme, up-to-the-minute opening hours and more information, check www.ddw.nl. Or follow DDW via

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (#DDW16).

Note for the editorial team, not for publication:For additional information, please contact Dutch Design Week (DDW) through Raffaela Vandermühlen, Head of

Brand Strategy and PR Dutch Design Foundation, T: +31(0)40-296 11 50, E:

raffaela@dutchdesignfoundation.com, www.dutchdesignfoundation.com.