Saved

DesignTO Festival Schedule Archive

Donate
Search
Blog
DesignTO Festival
Awards
Membership
Ongoing Projects
Contact
About
© 2026 DesignTO. All rights reserved. DesignTO is a registered trademark of the
Toronto Design Offsite Festival, operating under the business name DesignTO.
DesignTO is a registered charity (Charitable Business #: 803833300RR0001).
Facebook-f Instagram Youtube Linkedin
2020

Festival Schedule

DesignTO is about creativity, community, and experimentation.

January 17–26, 2020

Filters
Card
Map
List
Clear
Save
'(AI) - Aesthete’s Items' is founded on the philosophy that beauty must be expressed and shared commonly. It should not be reserved for a limited circle of initiates, but rather be a part of our daily lives in the form of everyday objects.
In-person
window installation
(AI) – Aesthete’s Items
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
'100 Vases' is inspired by the possibilities presented when objects come together, and the dialogue that happens between them. Spearheaded by artists Michelle Organ and Dasha Valakhanovitch, the two day event is a showcase of diversity in contemporary clay design.
In-person
exhibition
100 Vases
Jan 24
–
Jan 25 2020
Save
A moment suspended, illuminating the inherent interconnectedness – between human and human and to our shared environment – and at the same time, a yearning for connection. A Long Story II, by Lauren Pirie, is a soft sculpture and lighting-based installation.
In-person
exhibition
A Long Story II, by Lauren Pirie
Jan 17
–
Jan 27 2020
Save
Address is an entirely new approach to showing, seeking and collecting new works by modern makers. Going into its 7th consecutive year, Address is a well-known exhibit presenting works by both established and up-and-coming studio based artists and designers.
In-person
exhibition
Address
Jan 14
–
Jan 19 2020
Save
RSVP
Lines are a design element that can be used in pattern, to highlight/emphasize, and can be versatile, descriptive, and showcase beauty. Alley Row Designs uses its line-based Design-A-Line to showcase lines in a way that is accessible to all.
In-person
exhibition
Alley Row Designs Presents ALIGNMENT
Jan 18
–
Jan 21 2020
Save
Designers from across Canada have come together to create a collection of machined aluminum objects. Including both practical prototypes and pieces of sculpture, the show covers diverse range of themes unified by a single medium.
In-person
exhibition
Aluminum Group
Jan 16
–
Jan 19 2020
Save
18Karat Studio + Gallery is proud to present Linda Brown, a metalsmith whose work focuses on texture, line and form as it relates to natural flora structures. Discover her inspirations, process, and latest collection of hollow-formed jewellery and hollowware.
In-person
exhibition
Anticlastic: New Jewellery & Hollowware by Linda Brown
Jan 16
–
Feb 15 2020
Save
Arborescent repurposes manufacturing off-cut materials to form a colourful forest of renewal and growth emerging from the built environment. Take a walk through the Arborescent forest to inspire creative new ways of reducing and reusing materials.
In-person
exhibition
Arborescent
Jan 17
–
Jan 24 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Azure Talks convenes a panel at IDS Toronto featuring established and rising brands that have found success making entire lighting and furniture collections in Toronto. Presented by Teknion.
In-person
event: Talk
Azure Talks: Made in Toronto
Jan 17 2020
Save
Get Tickets
BEAT MIX is a platform to develop a series of relationships across Toronto’s Architecture and Design communities. Our events are open to everyone and target all phases of an architect’s career. BEAT is excited to host this event in collaboration with flooring industry leaders Relative Space!
In-person
event: Reception
BEAT MIX x Relative Space
Jan 23 2020
Save
Get Tickets
This event is a celebration of colour in contemporary design and textile art. In this exhibition we will showcase a curated of collection of contemporary carpets, textiles, furniture and tapestry by local artists and designers.
In-person
exhibition
bottē Design Exhibition
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Celebrating the launch of Matcha byMinistry, this is an immersive 5-course dinner made in collaboration between chef Ted Corrado, digital experience specialists nVoid, and artist Dahae Song. Limited capacity, RSVP for access to tickets
In-person
event: Dinner
byMinistry’s Enlightened Dining Club: The Art of Dining
Jan 21 2020
Save
Visit Cambria Gallery in the heart of Toronto's King East Design District to see Christine Tatilon's whimsical and vibrant tabletop creations. Christine uses fabric as a vector of expression and canvas to combine "art" with "useful" to make ordinary objects fun for everyday experiences.
In-person
exhibition
Cambria Gallery celebrates Christine Tatilon Designs – Quality, Esthetics, Sustainability
Jan 17
–
Jan 25 2020
Save
'Can’t Say Nothing' is a mixed media installation using collage, graphic design, print and pattern design, to explore how language and systems of representation mediate our ability to communicate and express ideas.
In-person
exhibition
Can’t Say Nothing (Lorem Ipsum, Moving Patterns)
Jan 17
–
Jan 31 2020
Save
Deep in the woods, a soaring red oak tree was ready for a new life. These furniture pieces don’t simply make use of its material, but embody the strength and stability of its lost presence.
In-person
window installation
Case Study 1: On Mass
Jan 10
–
Jan 31 2020
Save
Atelier Stōbben's Manitoba collection of wall lamps reflect on the connection between lighting and mental health. Inspired by Mennonite clocks, circadian lighting emulates the sun in an attempt to realign our bodies' internal clock. Also showing: Dovell geometric hanging lamp.
In-person
exhibition
Circadian Lighting and Geometry by Atelier Stōbben
Jan 16
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Using a diverse skillset ranging from architecture to industrial & product design, the COFO x Ghost Atelier Collaboration will be exploring stimulating visuals through light, objects, form and function.
In-person
window installation
COFO Design x Ghost Atelier Collab
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Get Tickets
For 3 days only, the Gladstone Hotel is transformed by site-specific installations at the intersection of art and design. Artists are encouraged to take risks and test new ideas. Visitors can explore, discover and engage in conversation with the makers.
In-person
exhibition
Come Up to My Room
Jan 16
–
Jan 19 2020
Save
RSVP
Although linearity exists neither in life nor in nature, the human mind attempts to impose order upon a seemingly disordered world. This series of wood sculptures explores that paradoxical impulse, as stark straight lines of metal penetrate the free-flowing wood grain, bringing a flash of order to randomness.
In-person
exhibition
Confluence
Jan 17
–
Jan 24 2020
Save
Context addresses the stratified urban conditions that characterize our cities. A banner of reflective material weaves between interior greenery and exterior spaces, emphasizing a design process influenced by interconnected social, environmental, and built layers.
In-person
window installation
Context
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
The Creative Technology Lab at FCAD showcases several projects that utilize the Kuka robots. Additionally, this exhibition features student-led projects and faculty research that ranges from AR/VR to carbon fiber structures, clay 3D printing, and projection mapping.
In-person
exhibition
Creative Technology Lab @ FCAD
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
RSVP
Discover why Danish design remains desirable. Explore Danish classic and contemporary design from Carl Hansen, Fritz Hansen, Georg Jensen, PP Mobler, Erik Jorgensen, Muuto etc. Hollace Cluny and TORP showcase masterpieces of mid century and contemporary furniture and design.
In-person
exhibition
Danish Desire
Jan 17
–
Jan 24 2020
Save
An installation of hanging and free-standing carved wood sculpture. Djuna Day’s carvings evoke both the airy silhouettes of Victorian botanical drawings and the studied depth of Reinhardt’s ‘Black Paintings’; a tight space between mysticism and rationale.
In-person
window installation
Dark Curves
Jan 15
–
Jan 31 2020
Save
The 'Daydream Under the Penny Vine' window installation debuts the 'Penny Vine' light, the first lighting product designed by Sylvia Lee, glass designer and Creative Director of Jeff Goodman Studio.
In-person
window installation
Daydream Under the Penny Vine
Jan 14
–
Feb 02 2020
Save
'Delirious Facade' uses artificial intelligence as a generator for architectural form and ornament. We take existing Toronto facades and use their visual signatures as material for generating hybrids, making the computer dream one building in the image of another.
In-person
window installation
Delirious Facade
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
The Design Collection @ stackt hosts 10 days of designer residencies, creative showcases and entertainment. Meet the creators, including MUKË, Concord Custom Lighting, TheTheThe, Radical Norms, LAMAS, and COFO Design.
In-person
exhibition
Design Collection @ stackt
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
In this exhibition OCAD U Industrial Design students use investigative, people-first, ground-up approaches to better design our world, and to recognize and facilitate our personal, physical and mental diversity.
In-person
exhibition
Design for Health, Wellness, Aging and Inclusion
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
RSVP
Get ready to explore the world of game design! DesignTO is holding its first-ever event focused on puzzles and play. Visit the global headquarters of Spin Master, where in-house game designers will oversee gaming stations, guiding play and providing insight on their design process.
In-person
event: Games
Design to Play
Jan 19 2020
Save
RSVP
Join The Globe and Mail and Canadian home furnishings retailer EQ3 to celebrate Designing Canada, a new annual recognition of the best in Canadian design. Enjoy a panel discussion on Canada’s design scene and meet some of the industry’s best talent and opinion leaders.
In-person
event: Talk
Designing Canada – An evening to celebrate the best in Canadian design
Jan 21 2020
Save
RSVP
The Designlines 2020 Designer of the Year Celebration honours the best residential interior specialist in Toronto. Also celebrated are the Best Public Space, Best Product Design and Best Restaurant Design chosen by the Designlines Magazine for 2020.
In-person
event: Party
Designlines Magazine’s 2020 Designer of the Year Celebration
Jan 24 2020
Save
Get Tickets
DesignTO is turning 10 and we’re commemorating this momentous occasion with a party! Join us at The Garrison to celebrate this milestone and dance the night away.
In-person
event: Party
DesignTO Birthday Bash
Jan 25 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Kick off the 10th DesignTO Festival at our official Launch Party! Mix and mingle at the event that brings Toronto’s creative community together. As a fundraiser for the non-profit Festival, all proceeds will go to help achieve our mission to advance design in Canada.
In-person
event: Party
[POSTPONED]
DesignTO Launch Party 2020
Jan 17 2020
Save
Get Tickets
DesignTO’s fifth annual symposium brings nine multidisciplinary experts into one room for an inspiring discussion on a Future without Work, covering topics such as the Indigenous workforce, meaning of work, space of work, labour markets, economic systems, and other thought provoking topics.
In-person
event: Talk
DesignTO Symposium: A Future without Work
Jan 25 2020
Save
RSVP
Partners of Mexican design studio Anagrama speak about teamwork and collaboration in their multidisciplinary practice. They discuss projects ranging from interior architecture to branding for beauty and furniture multinationals. Monocle’s Toronto team will interview them following their talk.
In-person
event: Talk
DesignTO Talks: Anagrama
Jan 20 2020
Save
RSVP
Join DesignTO and design expert Catherine Osborne for a conversation with Christian Lo of lighting studio Anony and Brian Richer of multidisciplinary studio Castor, on the occasion of their installations at EQ3’s King East showroom.
In-person
event: Talk
DesignTO Talks: Anony & Castor
Jan 20 2020
Save
RSVP
Andrew King, Lemay’s Chief Design Officer, and conceptual artist Angela Silver present Place des Montréalaises. Set against Montréal’s monumental cityscape, the winning concept for the international urban design competition poetically merges architecture, landscape design, and art methodologies to reframe notions of city building inclusive of women’s contributions.
In-person
event: Talk
DesignTO Talks: Place des Montréalaises
Jan 21 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Founders of the Berlin-based design and architecture collective They Feed Off Buildings speak about using architectural debris to pay homage to demolished buildings and their histories. Maryam Siddiqi, Lifestyle Editor of The Globe and Mail, will interview them following their talk.
In-person
event: Talk
DesignTO Talks: They Feed Off Buildings
Jan 24 2020
Save
RSVP
Discover four exciting installations in the Yonge + St. Clair neighbourhood that explore ideas of connectedness. Hear from installation creators artist Lauren Pirie, art and design collective Interspatial, artists and designers Chris Foster and Layne Hinton, and global architecture firm Gensler.
In-person
event: Tour
DesignTO Tours: Connection Points
Jan 19 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Beginning at the Don Mills Centre, Giannone Petricone Associates (GPA) has been working to define a new model for suburban intensification. GPA’s talk and tour will be followed by a panel discussion on questions of ex-urban models, opportunities, and the shifting parameters for retail-driven, mixed-use development.
In-person
event: Tour
DesignTO Tours: Giannone Petricone Associates, Ideas for the Intensification of the Suburban Mall
Jan 18 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Join DesignTO for an exclusive tour of MCM’s workshop where they integrate state-of-the-art equipment with skilled craftsmanship to fabricate custom environments. Architects Diamond Schmitt, KPMB, iN STUDIO, Partisans, and Bartlett & Associates speak about the process and collaboration between designer and fabricator to realize one-of-a-kind projects.
In-person
event: Tour
DesignTO Tours: MCM Fabrication Workshop
Jan 21 2020
Save
Get Tickets
Join DesignTO for a tour of Ryerson University’s new Creative Technology Lab (CTL), led by CTL’s Director and Associate Professor of Interior Design, Jonathon Anderson. The lab supports digital fabrication, 3-D printing, textile computing, AR/VR, and robotics.
In-person
event: Tour
DesignTO Tours: Ryerson Creative Technology Lab
Jan 26 2020
Save
RSVP
Collaborating with students from Oasis Skateboard Factory (OSF), ‘The Skatrix’ is public screening of animated shorts that marks the first edition of DesignTO Youth, a new program that provides youth with access to creative disciplines and professionals.
In-person
event: Film Screening
DesignTO Youth: The Skatrix
Jan 21 2020
Save
'dye magic' by Allie Davis, showcases both the strength of washi and the power of plant-based dye materials. The large-scale paper designs, in a diverse range of colours, raise the question: can wall decor feel magical, while remaining environmentally sustainable?
In-person
window installation
dye magic
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Get Tickets
'Dying.dialogues' is a symposium on design for end-of-life. 'Dying.dialogues' invites participants to share and reflect on design practice as it relates to end-of-life.
In-person
event: Talk
Dying.dialogues 2020
Jan 24
–
Jan 25 2020
Save
Dying.exhibits is an installation that invites participants to think about their relationship with life and death through engaging art and design works and participatory experiences. Featuring artists and designers: Mia Cinelli, Brileigh Hardcastle, Lynda Haywood-Munn, Laura Kay Keeling, Elinor Keshet, Clara Laratta, Elyse Krista Mische, Kristi Poole-Adler, Kathy Porter, David Salazar, Robert Santaguida, Max Suillerot
In-person
exhibition
Dying.exhibits 2020
Jan 12
–
Feb 01 2020
Save
Part of the Dying. series, HollyJo’s The Wisdom of Ruins acts as meditations between the artist’s mother’s birthplace (in ruin after an earthquake) and the death of her daughter. Ruins, by virtue of existing, stand as a witness and marker of trauma and subsequent healing.
In-person
exhibition
Dying.ruins 2020
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
'Dying.threads' is a participatory installation inviting the public to reflect on death and dying. The installation asks participants to consider their hopes for end of life.
In-person
exhibition
Dying.threads 2020
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Harbourfront Centre is a hub of activity for the 10th annual DesignTO Festival with four exhibitions and a public talk, spanning textiles, glass, ceramics, installation, film, art, architecture and more.
In-person
exhibition
Elemental: Winter Exhibitions at Harbourfront Centre
Jan 17
–
Jun 07 2020
Save
Co-presented with The Power Plant, Arts + Letters Press, launches art + reading Issue 2, Entanglement - Deep Time. Accompanying the launch is a performance by contributors, Matt Russo and Andrew Santaguido, with guest singer Thom Gill, taking guests on a journey through the cosmos, revealing the hidden rhythms and harmonies of planetary orbits.
In-person
event: Reception
Entanglement – Deep Time, a multi-media performance and journal launch
Jan 18 2020
Save
RSVP
As part of the DesignTO Festival, Aesop will unveil ‘Epistēmē’ — an evocative, sensory installation featuring seven short films created in collaboration with Dutch artist Bart Hess.
In-person
window installation
Epistēmē
Jan 17
–
Jan 30 2020
Save
RSVP
Transforming colourful gemstones into relatable, everyday objects, Peruvian design studio D.A.R. Proyectos reinvigorates ancient traditions & local materials. Join us for our take on social impact, raw gemstones, and our favourite stone objects.
In-person
exhibition
EVERYDAY GEMSTONES: Unexpected Objects
Jan 17
–
Feb 16 2020
Save
'Exoteric Design' explores the current hegemony around design culture and its tendency to support and legitimize capitalist norms and ideas. This collaborative exhibition explores human-centred design, material-led research, oral traditions, and open knowledge-sharing as a means to create meaningful connections and collapse structural hierarchies.
In-person
exhibition
Exoteric Design: Material as Mentor
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
The 'F40/M50' project is a collaboration between Mariposa, a maker of custom bicycles, and Fig40, an industrial design firm. This collaboration takes the form of a stool utilizing traditional lugged construction and paint treatments common to hand crafted bicycles.
In-person
exhibition
F40/M50
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Libs Elliott and Andrea Tsang Jackson's quilts push boundaries of the medium while respecting its roots. Facets can be precise but can also describe the complexity of life - quilts are flat in theory but they develop depth through construction and meaning.
In-person
exhibition
Facets
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
'Fantasy Foliage' by Apoorva Varma is an immersive Textile installation. The artist has adopted the persona of a "Textile Fantasy Author" to explore ideas of story; from thought to space and text to textile, challenging what creates a narrative.
In-person
window installation
Fantasy Foliage
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
A jewellery installation by Emma Piirtoniemi, ‘Feels’ expands the intimate, individual experience of jewellery objects to become shared by many at once. It speaks to collective experience and to our interior, emotional lives through glimmering light, colour, and material mystery.
In-person
window installation
Feels
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
In a clarion call for the return of summer, artist Frances Hahn brings her paper collage 'Field Leap' into three dimensions.
In-person
window installation
Field Leap
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
The 'Fig40 B-sides' are a collection of experiments and ideas that have evolved over the past few years. This exhibition is a selection of those experiments, in a similar way to a band releasing an album of B-sides.
In-person
exhibition
Fig40 B-sides
Jan 20
–
Jan 24 2020
Save
Front of House by Chris Foster and Layne Hinton transforms takeout lids – an everyday material that is normally discarded – into a shining beacon of light and motion that changes throughout the day with shifting sunlight. The work flutters freely, making visible the often unnoticed air currents in the exhibition space.
In-person
exhibition
Front of House
Jan 17
–
Jan 26 2020
Save
Future Breathing Store 2038 is a pop-up installation that envisions three speculative future breathing lifestyles and products of Chinese residents, stemming from existing technologies to create public reflections on air pollution and to accumulate momentum for air pollution changes. Envisioned by Altereality.studio Shihan Zhang, Qinqin Yang, Yangyifan Dong
In-person
window installation
Future Breathing Store 2038: an alternative perspective towards urban pollution
Jan 20
–
Jan 26 2020
Show all events