Opening Night at DesignPhiladelphia celebrating the announcement about its new home — and invites guests to “Take a Swing for Design”

Friday, October 3 | VIP 6–7pm | GA 7–10pm | Village of Industry & Art (VIA), 320 S. Broad St.

What: DesignPhiladelphia’s 21st Festival kicks off inside its new headquarters-to-be at the former University of the Arts campus—now Village of Industry & Art (VIA), developed by Scout. Opening night features a hands-on “Demo Party” fundraiser where attendees can purchase a chance to swing a hammer through a soon-to-be-renovated office wall to help fund DesignPhiladelphia/AIA Philadelphia’s move and fit-out. Safety glasses and hard hats provided.

Why it’s newsworthy / visuals:

·       First public event in the newly named VIA complex

·       Great photo + b-roll: designers, civic leaders, and partygoers in hard hats taking ceremonial swings (“Take a Swing for Design”)

·       A marquee Philadelphia design institution celebrating a new chapter while the city’s design community gathers under one roof.

When: Friday, October 3

·       VIP Preview: 6:00–7:00pm at Frankie’s Summer Social Pop-Up (on site)

·       General Admission: 7:00–10:00pm

·       Media Photo Call: 6:45–7:15pm (best visuals as doors open)

Where: Village of Industry & Art (VIA) — 320 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA Courtyard, Great Hall, and future DesignPhiladelphia/AIA Philadelphia office suite will be open.

Who:

·       Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director, DesignPhiladelphia & AIA Philadelphia (interviews available on site)

·       Festival partners and designers from across the region

·       Presenting Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University

Quote for use:

“This year is extra special for us,” said Rebecca Johnson, Executive Director of DesignPhiladelphia and AIA Philadelphia. “We’ve committed to our new home at VIA, and we’re thrilled to host the first event in this newly named space. The Demo Party lets everyone literally help build our future—one swing at a time.”

Coverage details:

·       Demo Party fundraiser: guests can purchase a swing; proceeds support the move and fit-out of DesignPhiladelphia’s new space.

·       PPE provided; supervised stations; media welcome inside the demo zone with staff guidance.

·       B-roll opportunities across the courtyard and Great Hall; lighting and power available.

RSVP / Press check-in:

·       Media RSVP: rebecca@designphiladelphia.org | (215) 266-9235

·       Tickets & Festival schedule: designphiladelphia.org (full calendar Oct 1–13)

Background:

·       DesignPhiladelphia Festival (Oct 1–13): More than 60 exhibitions, workshops, tours, and talks citywide celebrating architecture, product, graphic, fashion, industrial design, and more.

·       About DesignPhiladelphia: A champion for a vibrant, inclusive design community—from K-12 pipelines to professional practice—creating opportunity, supporting the region’s design economy, and positioning Philadelphia as a global hub of design excellence.

·       About VIA: The former University of the Arts campus reimagined by Scout as the Village of Industry & Art, an emerging creative ecosystem in the heart of the Avenue of the Arts.

Parking & Transit: Steps from the Broad Street Line (Walnut–Locust); multiple garages nearby; limited on-street loading available for media vans on S. Broad St.

On-site media contact (day-of): Rebecca Johnson | rebecca@designphiladelphia.org | (215) 266-9235