Ignite! An SDF Fundraiser

Name: Ignite! An SDF Fundraiser
Start: 2022-05-04T19:00:00-07:00
End: 2022-05-04T22:00:00-07:00

Now in its sixth year, the annual Seattle Design Festival (SDF) fundraiser brings together and acknowledges the community of designers, makers, activists, and enthusiasts who support SDF’s ongoing work to highlight all the ways that design has a powerful impact in our lives. We have important work to do, building vibrant connections between designers and a diverse public and fostering partnerships with the potential to transform our communities.

This year, we are deeply honored to welcome our keynote speaker – leading design voice, and longtime supporter of SDF, Surya Vanka. We are thrilled to be returning to the in-person format, and as we move away from our traditional breakfast format, we wholeheartedly encourage a celebration. Join us for stories from our partners, bid on unique items in the silent auction, whet your whistle at our open bar, revel with your friends on the dancefloor (yes, there will be a DJ), and savor a delectable That Brown Girl Cooks buffet.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

More than 130,000 people have attended SDF’s flagship program, the Seattle Design Festival, since it began in 2011. For many – families, young adults, and a diverse public – it was their first experience at a design-focused event. SDF believes that design is for everyone, and its benefits should be accessible, intersectional, and informed by a diverse public. We do this by ensuring much of our programming happens in the public realm, and that it should be free or low cost.

Increased support from our donors has allowed SDF to eliminate proposal fees for non-profits, students, and community led organizations. We have also developed opportunities for funding support, including individual stipends and strategic partnerships with Festival partners who engage youth in the design process, leverage co-design and improve the community engagement process.

Support the fundraiser today by purchasing your ticket(s). Invite your friends and colleagues to do the same. By choosing to support Seattle Design Festival, you are bringing design to everyone!

$100 – Individual Ticket
$175 – Two Tickets
$600 – 8-Person Party
Casual attire is encouraged, and don’t forget your dancing shoes

ABOUT OUR KEYNOTE

Surya Vanka Founder & Chief Designer at AUTHENTIC DESIGN

Surya Vanka is a transdisciplinary designer working at the leading edge of physical and digital experience. Surya is the founder of Authentic Design, and is a past president of the Seattle Design Festival, a director of user experience at Microsoft, a tenured professor of design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a fellow at the prestigious Center for Advanced Study. He is a member of the World Design Organization and has served on the jury of many global design awards including Singapore Design Mark; CII India Design Excellence Awards; and Cradle to Cradle Challenge. Surya’s work has appeared in numerous publications and news programs, including TEDx, Form, I.D., Design Council, WIRED, Interactions, the BBC and NPR. Surya is the author of two books on design, several publications, and has taught design in person on every continent but Antarctica.