Designxri introduces and connects Rhode Island designers to the world.
Co-founded on that premise by director Lisa Carnevale, left above, and a number of board members, the nonprofit incorporated Aug. 1, 2014 and the following month launched its first big event, Design Week RI. Through its website and events, Designxri strives to elevate the profile of designers of every sector – from industrial and graphic-arts designers to those who make furniture, apparel and jewelry to interior and architectural design. Joye Whitney, right above, is project liaison.
Rhode Island has the third-most industrial designers in the country in Providence, after Detroit and then Cincinnati, according to “America’s Leading Design Cities,” a July 8, 2014, article in The Atlantic.
“Design is in every sector, every field,” Carnevale said. “Nationally, design is bubbling to the top: It is design’s time on a national scale. When we talk about innovation and creativity and global market growth and economy, design is at the forefront. We want to position Rhode Island designers as being part of that conversation globally.” •
