The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced today a partnership with World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 (WDC) to promote the cross-border region as a premier design destination and support a year of innovative programming. San Diego Tijuana is the first U.S. location, and first cross-border region, to receive the World Design Capital designation.
What is the World Design Capital?
The World Design Capital is designated every two years by the World Design Organization. It recognizes cities for their use of design to enhance economic, social, cultural and environmental quality of life. Recent recipients include Lille Metropole, France in 2020, and Valencia, Spain in 2022.
World Design Capital programming will feature a series of public events, conferences, exhibitions, summits and celebrations, bringing together global leaders to exchange ideas and create opportunities to use design to solve some of the region’s most critical issues.
How will the partnership work?
Under the partnership, SDTA will provide $500,000 in support, including $250,000 in sponsorship funding and $250,000 of in-kind marketing support.
The SDTA funding represents a significant part of the successful fundraising efforts currently underway. Partners and donors have already contributed more than $2.5 million for the year-long program and another $100,000 has been committed in-kind donations. The City of San Diego has also allocated $3 million for the project.
How to get involved
The calendar of events will include seven signature events in partnership with the World Design Organization, as well as community events that will help achieve program goals, demonstrate cross-border collaboration and promote design thinking.
WDC is asking the regional community to submit ideas for projects and events. To learn more, visit the WDC 2024 website.
“The World Design Capital brings people together to celebrate, exchange ideas, and demonstrate how cities can develop collaboratively, united by the physical spaces, economies, and cultures we share,” said Carlos de la Mora, CEO of World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024. “We’re looking to showcase our region as a global destination for arts, culture, innovation and design.”
Leave a Reply