Design Week Lagos (DWL) is the leading design week on the African continent, conceived to present and celebrate the best in contemporary African design across categories while bringing international field leaders and visitors to experience the most exciting work from the region.  

Founded by African design advocate Titi Ogufere, DWL was first established in 2019 as a citywide celebration held in Lagos, Nigeria over ten days, promoting creativity, innovation across disciplines, including architecture, industrial design, interior design, furniture design, graphics design, and technology.  

DWL will take place in various venues across the city of Lagos from October 21st to 31st, 2021. The theme for the 2021 Design Week is Design Revolution.

Titie Ogufere is the founder of founder of Design Week Lagos. Image © TY Bello

DWL is a growing annual celebration and convening, with core programs including a central exhibition showcasing new work from across the continent, an awards program, and a series of talks and lectures. 

In addition to presenting new product design, DWL’s program highlights and explores new pathways in manufacturing methods, illuminating ingenuity and information sharing so that a growing community of contemporary designers can better tap into a rich history of craftsmanship and unique material knowledge across the continent.  

Talking Stools by Studio Lani whose works will be showcased at 2021 Design Week Lagos. Image courtesy of Studio Lani

The festival is committed to building a culture of innovation in Lagos and promoting the city as an international hub for design. DWL was created by Titi Ogufere and Essential Media Group and is supported by the state government of Lagos.

Given the limitations of the global pandemic, this year’s program will be tight and targeted, with more robust digital components. Highlights of the program include:

Design Kulture Exhibition / DWL 2021 PRIZE

October 21 - 31, 2021

This exhibition is an annual showcase for sourcing furniture and design objects in Africa at White Space, an exhibition space run by A Whitespace Creative Agency. The exhibition is a meeting point for decision-makers in the design and manufacturing industry, and a bridge between manufacturers and design practitioners within the region, as well as international buyers, design enthusiasts, and collaborators. 

This year’s exhibitors include Studio Lani, Tosin Oshinowo, Tunde Owolabi, Olu Amoda, Aga Concept, Tekura, 7eight, Titilailai, Belevence, Damola Rufai, Demas Nwoko, Nifemi Bello, Ozioma Onuzulike, Diseye Tantua, and Mowarin Christian. 

There will also be special projects on view from TY bello and Maki Oh.

Each year, a standout contributor to this exhibition is awarded the DWL 2021 Prize, which recognizes excellence and innovation in evolving the idea of African-inspired contemporary design.

Fowóralé House in Ilashe Lagos by founder of cmD+A Tosin Oshinowo whose works will be on view at 2021 Design Week Lagos. Image courtesy of Tosin Oshinowo 

Made By Design Docuseries Launch

DWL will host the premiere for Made by Design is an original documentary series for Netflix global highlighting architects, interior and product designers in Africa. The series was created by Design Week Lagos Founder Titi Ogufere. Directed and co-produced by Emmy award winning filmmaker Abiola Matesun, the first season profiles some of the top Nigerian creative talents of today, giving an insight into their lives, work, and inspirations.

Nigerian designer Nifemi Marcus-Bello's desk can be transported with its own legs. The event will showcase his works at 2021 Design Week Lagos. Image courtesy of Nifemi Marcus-Bello

IFI African Regional Roundtable

In collaboration with Design Week Lagos, the International Federation of Interior Architects / Designers (IFI) will host the IFI African Regional Roundtable on October 21st, 2021. The interactive virtual event will allow the diverse design community in Africa to discuss the IFI Education Policy. The roundtable will bring together over 5,000 African designers, including practitioners, academic institutions, educators, professional associations, policy makers, governments and students.

Additionally, The Interior Design Professional Guide for Africa and the Middle East will be launched as part of the African Regional Roundtable. The book, authored by an interior design expert, Titi Ogufere, is an essential resource and guide to managing and sourcing for interiors projects in the region, with practical guidance, a directory of vendors, and advice from 25 leading interior designers in Africa and the Middle East on how to run an interior project successfully and profitably from start to finish.

Top image: Work by Tosin Oshinowo will also be featured in this year's Design Week Lagos' exhibition. Image courtesy of Black Artists+Designers Build. 

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