IPW 2024

 WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL SAN DIEGO TIJUANA 2024 AND CITY OF SAN DIEGO ANNOUNCE YEAR-LONG PROGRAM

World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024 (WDC 2024) and the City of San Diego announced its year of programming for design-related events. The first cross-border designation in World Design Capital history, San Diego is the first U.S. city ever to receive the designation and Tijuana is the second city in Mexico to hold the title.

“We are thrilled to officially announce our year-long program of events and initiatives that have been created and led by community members from the San Diego Tijuana region, and are a reflection of the creative passion that exists here in the community,” said Mai Nguyen, Board Chair of WDC 2024 and Director of UC San Diego Design Lab. “WDC 2024 was made possible due to our passionate cross-border design community. Throughout the year, we will be supporting and presenting design-driven events that align with our mission to transform and elevate our region.”

Signature Events

Throughout the year, WDC 2024 will present six signature events in partnership with the World Design Organization® across the San Diego Tijuana region featuring interactive design experiences for all. Signature events include the Community Celebration on February 28 at the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT); the World Design Festival powered by Tijuana Design Week happening May 1-5 in Tijuana; the World Design Experience powered by the Design Forward Alliance and San Diego Design Week happening September 18-25 in San Diego; the World Policy Conference powered by the City of San Diego and UC San Diego Design Lab taking place November 12-13 in San Diego; the World Design Network of Cities organized in partnership with the City of San Diego, the City of Tijuana, and the World Design Organization on November 15 in Tijuana; and the WDC 2024 Convocation Ceremony organized in partnership with the World Design Organization on November 16 at The Salk Institute.

World Design Spotlight

WDC 2024 will also be creating digital content capsules to share stories of design that shape the region. Curated by AIGA, the World Design Spotlight will highlight design-driven innovations, designers, design firms, design studios, and projects in the San Diego Tijuana region. Highlights include the Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT), Cross-Border Express (CBX), James Hubble / Ilan Lael Foundation, Qualcomm, Taylor Guitars, The Salk Institute, and The Stuart Collection at UCSD.

Temporary Art Installation

WDC 2024 has selected internationally recognized visual artist, Daniel Ruanova from Tijuana and full-service architecture and design agency Heleo, to create a temporary art installation titled "EXCHANGE Pavilion" that will come to life in the Plaza de Panama at Balboa Park and the Palacio Municipal de Tijuana. "EXCHANGE Pavilion" invites us to immerse ourselves in its physical and conceptual presence, contribute to its public memory and coexist with others who arrived along the way. “EXCHANGE Pavilion” will provoke dialogue, creativity, human connection, and the exchange of our collective experiences. A representation of the significance of WDC 2024 to the region, this installation will serve as a bridge, connecting people from various backgrounds, inspiring conversations, and fostering a sense of unity.

Community Initiatives

WDC 2024 will be endorsing 300+ community initiatives consisting of a diverse range of projects, events, exhibitions, activations, and more offering opportunities for active participation and engagement. The Community Programs will advance the mission of WDC 2024 to transform the region through the lens of design, curated and led by community members from San Diego and Tijuana.

“I've supported the World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana project from day one because of the economic benefits and cross-border collaboration that it will bring to our region,” said Councilmember Raul Campillo, who strongly advocated for $3 million for World Design Capital (WDC) in the FY2024 City of San Diego budget. “It's an honor to help reveal more exciting details about the WDC San Diego Tijuana 2024 program, like the Balboa Park Pavilion and more than 300 community programs.”